I have been writing lesson plans for several years now. Like any other craft, you are bound to improve when you practice over a long time. This was made painfully aware to me as I read over some of my lesson plans from Volume One. Most of those lessons were published in 2018, a whopping four years ago. Several months ago, I finished updating Volume Two, and I could see the improvement between the two. However, there were a couple of lessons I needed to rework from the ground up. Today, I finished updating Volume Three and am very proud of the new version. Plus, I have added seven more lessons to this volume, and the price is still only $29. Let's look at how this updated Volume Three is so much better than the original.
The instructions are more straightforward.
While I always test my lessons many times before I create the write-up, there is no replacement for time and experience. Since most of these lessons were written in 2019 and 2020, and now it is almost 2023, I have played these games so many more times now. With all this extra experience, I could look more critically at rule sets and game mechanics, and I had more opportunities to try out different variations. As a result, my comprehension of these games got better. When it was time to look back at my old instructions, I knew where I could condense information or expound on an area that was not so clear the first time around. I stumbled across variations that were successful and popular with students of different ages. These variations made a game more accessible and fun for any age. I also found new talking points to be included in the post-game debrief.
However, most importantly, I ran every game through Grammarly, so any clunky writing conventions were hopefully corrected. Also, having another set of (digital) eyes looking over my work caught a lot of mistakes I was blind to. This should dramatically increase the readability of these lessons.
Added Diagrams
A picture speaks a thousand words. My write-ups are already pretty lengthy. I wanted to simplify the instructions, not write novel-length lesson plans. One way I could make my instructions clearer is with simple pictures and diagrams that show the orientation of the playing area and where the players and materials are in relation to each other. I always appreciate when instructions include pictures or diagrams, and I bet you are no different. Now, almost every lesson has diagrams included within the lesson plan write-up.
Lots of New Lessons
I have added seven lessons to this update of Volume Three for free! They all are traditional indigenous sports from Australia from Aboriginal cultures. While doing a unit on Oceania, I stumbled across an incredible resource. I couldn't help but dive into the history and games of the Aboriginal Peoples. My students loved them, and I'm sure your students will love them too!
If you have already purchased Volume Three, your new copy is on the way. If you have not purchased Volume Three, click the button below!
All volumes are now $19 each! If you are missing one, now is the time to complete the collection. Head to the website store to get your volumes today.