Leaders Lounge   /   Category

Demonstration Lessons

Literacy leaders are more than “bag ladies” (or bag men), toting a set of books and tricks into classrooms to present dazzling lessons. A successful demonstration lesson is as much about collaborative planning, discussion, and debriefing with teachers as it is about what is actually presented in the classroom. Here is where you’ll find tools and strategies for working with teachers to get the most out of demonstration lessons, using them as a catalyst for discussions about assessment, curriculum, and standards.

Latest Content
Picture It: Planning Ahead

This photo captures the evidence of a teacher well prepared for the day.

Coaching Minute: The Risk of Vulnerability

Instructional coach Jenn Ross explains the importance of being vulnerable. By modeling the expectations for phonics minilessons, she risked failure in front of her colleagues and was reminded of a powerful way to build strong relationships.

Coaching and Demonstration Lessons

Literacy coaches Cathy Mere and Kelly Hoenie talk about the value and challenges of demonstration lessons.

Vocabulary Development in Writing

Literacy coaches Tara Barnett and Kate Mills create a “labsite” for exploring vocabulary development—a classroom-based inquiry plan for a group of teachers to observe instruction with young learners.

Coaching Debrief: Interactive Read Aloud

Jen Court debriefs with a second-grade teacher about the interactive read aloud demonstration she just completed in his classroom, as well as how it fits into their instructional plans.

Demonstration Small Group: Nathan Hale and Point of View

Tammy Mulligan leads a demonstration small group for fifth graders using a graphic novel to teach point of view.

Finding Themes in Graphic Novels

Tammy Mulligan leads a demonstration small group on finding themes in graphic novels. The lesson includes a prebrief and debrief with the teacher.

Demonstration Small Group: Emergent Kindergarten Readers

Clare Landrigan leads a demonstration small group of emergent kindergarten readers focused on inferring. They are reading Cookie’s Week. The lesson includes a prebrief and debrief with the teacher.

Field Notes: When a Coach Models in a Classroom

Ruth Ayres observes a coach who is a master at modeling lessons. What looks easy and natural on the surface belies all the skill and planning just below the surface.

Quick and Frequent Demonstration Lesson: Phonemes

Clare Landrigan leads a demonstration lesson with a pair of kindergarten students who struggle with letter-sound connections. In the video, she explains why these “quick and frequent” reading activities are helpful for young learners who find it a challenge to participate in guided reading groups.

Demonstration Lesson: A First Grader Decodes and Makes Meaning

In this demonstration lesson, Clare Landrigan confers with a first grader by building on his strengths of growing fluency and volume with strategies for decoding. The lesson includes a prebrief and debrief with the teacher.

Coaching Minute: The Perils of Demonstration Lessons

In this brief video, Cathy Mere talks about how classroom visits that include demonstration lessons can build rapport with teachers but can also serve as a trap for literacy coaches.

Observing Colleagues: Leading Successful Classroom Visits

Cathy Mere finds that what comes before and after classroom observations may be more important than the actual visit. She details the coach’s role in maximizing reflection and benefits from group observations.

Classroom Observation Etiquette

Cathy Mere remembers the many visitors to her classroom: most were inspiring, but a few made her want to shut the door on future observers. She shares how clear expectations for etiquette can build confidence and ease the concerns of the demonstration teacher.

Peer Observations with a Purpose

Dana Murphy works with teachers to design a peer-observation checklist to ensure everyone shares the same expectations and understanding.

Demonstration Lesson: Quotes in Writing

Tammy Mulligan leads a demonstration small group with fifth-grade girls on using quotes in their writing. The session includes a prebrief and debrief with the girls' teacher.

First-Grade Demonstration Small Group: Reading Engagement

Clare Landrigan leads a demonstration small group with first-grade readers who struggle with engagement and stamina. The lesson includes a prebrief and debrief with their teacher.

Story Play with The Grouchy Ladybug

In this demonstration small group, Clare Landrigan leads kindergartners in a story play session featuring The Grouchy Ladybug. The lesson includes a prebrief and debrief with the classroom teacher.

Planning for a Third-Grade Demonstration Group on Citing Evidence

Kathy Provost works with a third-grade teacher to plan a demonstration small group on citing evidence. They begin with observations from the previous day’s instruction to determine the group’s needs. This is the first video in a three-part series.

Third-Grade Demonstration Group on Citing Evidence

Kathy Provost works with a third-grade teacher to lead a demonstration small group on citing evidence. This is the second video in a three-part series.

Debrief of Third-Grade Demonstration Group on Citing Evidence

Kathy Provost and a third-grade teacher debrief after a demonstration small group on citing evidence. This is the third video in a three-part series.

Choice Literacy Membership

Become a member for full access to Articles & Videos plus member-only Product Discounts

Membership

Explore More
Getting Organized
Guiding Teachers
Working in Classrooms

Choice Literacy Membership

Articles

Get full access to all Choice Literacy article content

Videos

Get full access to all Choice Literacy video content

Courses

Access Choice Literacy course curriculum and training

Membership Options

About

Choice Literacy is a community of passionate educators who lead. Come join us!

Learn more

Contact
Subscribe

Get free articles and insights delivered to your inbox every week with the Choice Literacy "Big Fresh" Newsletter!

Learn more

© 2025 The Lead Learners. All rights reserved.   Privacy Policy   |   Terms and Conditions

Website built by MemberDev

Loading...