Direct Instruction Lesson Plan Template

Name:
Central Focus/Big Idea of the
Molly Hinson
Lesson:
Civics and Government
Grade Level/Subject:
3rd Grade Social Studies
Essential Standard/Common Core Objective:
4.C&G.1 - Understand the development, structure and function of
Date taught:
North Carolina's government

Daily Lesson Objective: Students will be able to identify the three branches of government and
list three facts about each branch.
21st Century Skills: (Go to this link for more info about these Academic Language Demand
skills:
(Language Function and
http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/P21_Framework_Def Vocabulary):
nitions.pdf)
Civic Literacy: Participating effectively in civic life through
Language Function: Identify
knowing how to stay informed and understanding
governmental processes.
Vocabulary: Executive, Legislative,
Creativity and Innovation: Thinking Creatively- students will
Judicial
brainstorm ideas for laws that they would want to propose
as president.
Work Independently: Students will work independently to
complete their independent assessment tasks.
Prior Knowledge: Presidential knowledge, Important buildings white house/supreme court.

Activity

1. Focus and
Review

2. Statement
of Objective
for Student

Description of Activities and Setting

Teacher presents powerpoint slideshow that will follow along with the
lesson.
Today we are going to be learning about something totally new
today. Does anyone know what the main subject in the news has been
recently?
Teacher changes slide to presidential election slide
The presidential election is coming up this month. Does anyone know
what the being the president means being a major part of? The
Government! Now, what is the government? Is it just the president
running everything and telling everyone what to do? No, the
government has many different parts that all work together to run the
country.
Today we are going to be learning about the different parts that
make up our government here in the United States. It is very
important as Citizens to understand how our government works. Can
anyone tell me what a citizen is?
A citizen is a member of a country. In this case, the United States.

Time

2-3
minute
s

2-3
minute
s

3. Teacher
Input

4. Guided
Practice

United states citizens have rights and laws to protect them. Citizens
also have the right to vote. It is a very important right for Citizens to
have so they can vote for the best candidate they believe should be
president.
Lets watch a short video on BrainPop to help us identify a little more
about the three branches of government.
https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernment/branchesofgov
ernment/
Now that we have learned a little but about government, lets see
what we know now by playing a game on the different branches of
government as a class.
https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernment/branchesofgov
ernment/quiz/
Teacher goes over correct answers and explains incorrect answers

5-10
minute
s

10-15
minute
s

For our independent practice, students are asked to get into groups of
three to complete their Branch Poster.

5. Independent
Practice

6. Assessment
Methods of
all
objectives/skills
:

7. Closure

Alright guys, for our independent, Everyone is going to grab a sheet

of poster paper and follow the directions up on the board.
20
There is a pre-made example displayed for students to follow
minute
Directions include
s
1. Split your poster into three parts and label each of the three
branches of government.
2. Draw a picture to go along with each branch.
3. Write three facts about each branch under each category.
4. After everyone is finished each group will present their poster
Students will be assessed by completing the Legislative Branch poster, 3 pts
for Drawing each picture, 3 pts for each branch listed, and 1 point for each of
the 3 facts listed. Students will show mastery by scoring 7 out of 9 pts total.

Now that the lesson has been completed, the teacher will ask if the
students have any more questions.
Each group of students are asked to present their poster.
Alright guys, can anyone tell me what we learned about today?
Does anyone have anymore questions about government?

8. Assessment
Results of
all
objectives/skills
:
Targeted Students
Modifcations/Accommodations:
Students who are visually impaired will be
provided with larger/bolded versions of
presentation

2min

Student/Small Group Modifcations/Accommodations:

Students who are struggling to understand the
content will be asked to meet in a small group
during independent practice for further help and
exploration of the content.
Groups who fnish early may create another picture
or list more facts.

Groups that need more time, can list two facts and
only one picture.
Materials/Technology:

(Include any instructional materials (e.g., worksheets, assessments PowerPoint/SmartBoard slides, etc.) needed to implement the lesson at the
end of the lesson plan.)

Government PowerPoint Presentation, poster sheets for independent practice, and markers for
independent practice.
References: https://educators.brainpop.com/bp-jr-topic/local-and-state-governments/
Reflection on lesson: (Write several paragraphs about what you learned from this lesson. What
were the strengths? What were the weaknesses? What did you learn about teaching and student
learning? How would you teach this lesson differently in the future?