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Creating effective SIOP Model lesson plans requires knowledge of the eight features of this teaching methodology and a focus on culturally responsive instruction.

Learn more about SIOP lesson planning here and get top tips for creating great lessons.

Background

Constructing SIOP model lesson plans requires knowledge and expertise, including understanding current ELL teaching strategies.

I have a wealth of experience in teaching, gained from my Master of Education, Master of Arts, and TEFL Certificate.

For the past two decades, I have implemented the SIOP model successfully in my ELL classes at the high school level and in adult education programs.

What is SIOP in education?

The SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) Model (CREDE, 1996) is an empirically-tested, research-based model of instruction.

It’s used as a framework for planning and delivering instruction in core subject areas for second language learners.

Students who need to strengthen their academic language and literacy skills also gain value from SIOP Model lessons.

This model has been used in the United States for the past twenty years for ‘language development with content teaching and provides teachers with guidance for planning and delivering effective lessons’ (cal.org, 2011).

It has been validated as a model of instruction improving the achievement of students whose teachers use the model (p. 1). 

SIOP Model Components

The 8 SIOP Model Components are: 

1. Lesson Preparation
2. Building Background
3. Comprehensible Input
4. Strategies
5. Interaction
6. Practice & Application
7. Lesson Delivery
8. Review & Assessment

Rationale for Creating SIOP Model Lessons

Teachers create lessons based on an instructional framework including language learning outcomes.

Student achievement and academic success are the key focus of unit planning.

SIOP Model lessons include instructional strategies and activities geared toward the learning process. In addition, instructional practices include students’ mother tongue language. 

Culturally Responsive Teaching

The SIOP Model is embedded in the practice of culturally responsive teaching.

This practice includes relevant curriculum to engage students in creating meaning with real-world examples. Real-world examples are relatable and cognitively engaging.

SIOP Model lessons include high expectations for the learner to achieve, clear learning outcomes, and assessments.

SIOP Model Lesson Planning

Teachers who include mother tongue comparisons in this stage build meaningful engagement and comprehension opportunities between students.

At the end of each lesson, student success is measured by formative assessments, like an exit ticket with an essential question about the topic. 

Modifications include using video clips or a graphic organizer with relevant vocabulary to improve the learning experience for students.

Although at grade level, modified assignments are another way for students to learn the same content through different tasks. These tasks are culturally relevant to students’ backgrounds.

Learning Framework for SIOP Model Lessons

When creating lessons, I use Bloom’s Taxonomy (1956). 

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a learning framework focusing on key milestones in the learning experience.

SIOP Model lesson plans and activities relate to each milestone. This helps students with increased thinking and synthesis of the content. 

The following video shows an example of a SIOP Model lesson with vocabulary:

To enhance the learners’ experience, educators must measure their lessons and activities with Bloom’s Taxonomy.

This ensures SIOP Model lessons and activities increase engagement.

Although sometimes with the first two elements of the framework students become disinterested or bored. It is important to include activities with deeper learning opportunities.

Tips for Creating an Effective SIOP Lesson Plan

• Develop content objectives
• Identify language objectives.
• Design effective instructional activities.
• Include cooperative learning strategies.
• Consider student background information and home language.

Develop Content Objectives

To create an effective SIOP lesson plan, it’s essential to start with the content objectives.

What will students learn by the end of the lesson?

• Choose measurable content objectives directly related to grade-level standards.
• Include differentiation of instruction with activities for language proficiency and abilities.

Clear goals assess your students’ learning and measure growth.

Identify Language Objectives

Once content objectives are clear, identify language objectives.

Language objectives explain what students will do with the language.

Common topics include reading comprehension, academic vocabulary, and grammar.

When creating language objectives, ensure they are observable and measurable. Additionally, consider using tiered vocabulary to increase student engagement.

Design Effective Instructional Activities

When it comes to designing instructional activities, it is essential to create engaging and active.

Activities involve visual aids, multimedia resources, physical movement, and discussion.

Additionally, find ways to provide hands-on activities allowing students to personalize their learning.

For example, have students work independently on an assignment or participate in a group task.

Providing these kinds of meaningful experiences will help students develop a deeper understanding of their lesson materials.

Include Cooperative Learning Strategies

Cooperative learning activities effectively facilitate student learning while also allowing them to build collaboration skills.

Incorporate activities such as partner work, small group projects, and class discussions to create a more social atmosphere in your SIOP Model lesson plans.

By breaking students into smaller groups,

• they focus on the content and use their peers as support systems for problem-solving.
• Encourage students to ask questions and discuss concepts with each other.

Include Student Background Information and Home Language

When creating a SIOP Model lesson plan, it’s important to keep student background information and home language in mind.

Celebrate student diversity by providing resources for students to engage meaningfully with the material.

To ensure students understand the activity:

1. Use visuals such as diagrams or rubrics to provide context.
2. When introducing new content vocabulary, use visuals (such as pictures or hand signals).
3. Consider offering different models of instruction or adapting the content based on home languages and student backgrounds.

Methods for an Enhanced Learning Experience

One method for stimulating deeper learning experiences in SIOP Model lessons is reflection.

Reflection is a key component of the learning experience and provides students with opportunities to make sense of the content while focusing on their learning experience. 

Reflection activities include: 

• journaling
• providing real-world examples of how the student has experienced the content
• creating posters
• digital art projects to articulate the meaning of the content. 

These activities are used for formative assessment.

Summary

Planning and delivering high-level effective and meaningful SIOP Model lessons for students helps students feel valued and engaged in their learning experiences.

Educators measure students’ success by creating lesson plans using Bloom’s Taxonomy to classify student learning outcomes.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time,

Suzanne

Want more about SIOP Model components? This article includes a catalog of articles on how to use the SIOP Model:

Best Resources for How to Use The SIOP Model

Related Topics

• Best Resources for How to Use The SIOP Model
• Insider Tips and Strategies for How to Get Started Teaching Adults English
• Examples of Building Background Using the SIOP Model
• How The SIOP Model Addresses Culturally Responsive Teaching
• How to Improve Grammar Lesson Plans with SIOP

References

Blooms Taxonomy:: Resource for Educators. (2001). Www.bloomstaxonomy.net. https://www.bloomstaxonomy.net/

Moffett, J., & Wagner, B. J. (1991). Student-Centered Reading Activities. The English Journal, 80(6), 70. https://doi.org/10.2307/818583

Student-Centered Literacy. (n.d.). BetterLesson. https://betterlesson.com/browse/learning-domain/17/student-centered-literacy

Student-Centered Online Learning Strategies for Teachers. (2020, November 27). Europass Teacher Academy. https://www.teacheracademy.eu/blog/student-centered-online-learning/

Visible Learning. (2015). Hattie effect size list – 256 Influences Related To Achievement. VISIBLE LEARNING. https://visible-learning.org/hattie-ranking-influences-effect-sizes-learning-achievement/