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Observation Genius

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Lesson Plan

Genius Observation Blueprint

Teachers will conduct a structured 20-minute observation of a 7th grade student’s targeted skill, record objective data using guided prompts, and facilitate a reflective think-aloud to inform personalized instruction.

Real-time data collection and reflection help educators pinpoint student strengths, challenges, and learning processes, enabling immediate adjustments and personalized support aligned with IEP goals.

Audience

7th Grade Special Education Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Guided observation, data recording, and reflective think-aloud

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

3 minutes

Step 1

Set Observation Focus

3 minutes

  • Identify the target skill or behavior based on the student’s IEP goals
  • Select the corresponding slides in Focus & Record Deck
  • Briefly explain to the student that you will observe and record specific behaviors during the activity

Step 2

Observe and Record

10 minutes

  • Guide the student through the planned task or activity
  • Use prompts in Focus & Record Deck to note occurrences, frequency, and duration of the target behavior
  • Record objective data points directly onto the slide prompts for later analysis

Step 3

Think-Aloud Reflection

7 minutes

  • Prompt the student to articulate their thought process in the moment using the Think-Aloud Reflection Journal
  • Model a think-aloud for one example to scaffold the student’s reflection
  • Review key observations together and identify one or two strategies to implement in the next session
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Slide Deck

Observation Focus

• Identify the target behavior or skill based on the student’s IEP goals.

• Write your focus here:

Introduce the slide deck and guide teachers to pinpoint the exact behavior/skill they will observe. Emphasize alignment with the student’s IEP goals.

Prompts for Accurate Data

Frequency:
• Tally each occurrence as it happens.
• Note time stamps (e.g., 2:03 PM).

Duration:
• Record start and end times for each event.
• Calculate total duration (end – start).

Explain how to capture both how often a behavior occurs (frequency) and how long it lasts (duration). Model one quick example.

Data Input Template

DateTask/ActivityBehavior ObservedFrequencyDurationContext/Notes

Walk through completing the table rows with objective, observable details. Stress clarity and consistency in notes.

Transition to Reflection

Once observation is complete, move to the Think-Aloud Reflection Journal.

• Prompt the student to verbalize their thinking.
• Record key insights to plan next steps.

Cue the teacher to wrap up observation and transition smoothly into the reflection phase using the journal.

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Journal

Think-Aloud Reflection Journal

Use this journal to capture your thoughts, strategies, and goals after completing the observation activity.

Session Information
Date: ____________________________



Task/Activity Observed: ____________________________



1. Describe Your Thought Process
What questions did you ask yourself? What steps were you planning as you worked on the task?













2. Strategies and Successes
What strategies or steps helped you understand and complete the task? Which strategy helped the most, and why?







3. Challenges and Confusions
Which parts felt challenging or confusing? What thoughts or questions did you have at those moments?







4. Planning for Next Time
Looking back, what could you try differently next time to make the task easier or more clear? Be specific.







5. Goal Setting
Set one or two goals for your next session based on today’s experience. How will you know you’ve achieved them?



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