Create Playlists for Learners

A learning playlist is a sequence of resources and activities designed for students to work through at their own pace in order to achieve the desired learning objectives. Playlists can be used to structure an entire class or just a lesson or unit. Playlists scaffold learners from an introduction to practicing the new knowledge or skill and finally demonstrating it in some way, with a check or approval from the teacher or a peer before moving on. Like choice boards, they can include must dos and may dos and should incorporate choices for learners.

Bright Spots

Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners.

Creating your own Bright Spots? Let’s get them out into the world! Share yours here.

Literary Argument Writing Playlist

Dr. Catlin Tucker leverages playlists with HS learners to build their ability to write literary-based argument pieces. Photo credit

Daily Activities Playlist

Teachers at a K-8 school in San Francisco, CA use a playlist for activities students must do during a daily flexible work block. This example is from 1st grade. The camera symbol means the activity must be documented. In addition to working on their playlist (independently or with their peers) during this time, students meet with teachers in small groups.

Learning Playlist

An upper elementary school teacher in New Hampshire uses an interactive bulletin board to highlight the activities in a learning playlist. Students work at their own pace, provided they stay ahead of the leprechaun. If a student falls behind the leprechaun, this triggers a 1-1 conference with the teacher to create a plan to get back on track to complete the learning playlist.

 

Parts of Speech Playlist

Nadie Gilkison created a digital playlist for her learners to review Parts of Speech concepts.

 

Genius Hour Playlist

Dr. Catlin Tucker also leverages playlists to support self-pacing during Genius Hour.

Gameboard Playlist

Source: Modern Classrooms

Beth Benavides uses a gameboard playlist in her elementary math class for learners to level up. There are clear goal dates, though learners can go at their own pace and even move onto the next gameboard when ready. Learners access videos, online practices and activities for each step and then complete exit tickets to demonstrate mastery before moving onto the next level.

Public Progress Trackers

Source: Modern Classrooms

The Modern Classrooms Approach is a mastery-based self-paced playlist where learners work through lessons and complete mastery checks to move onto the next set of tasks. They have developed this tracker that you can make a copy of here to help teachers (and learners) track individual progress towards mastery checks and determine if the pacing is on or off track.

 

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