Lessons

OLS lessons combine materials that are delivered over the Internet with materials for use away from the computer. The amount of time a student spends online, the way in which the lessons utilize the computer, and the adult's role are different depending on the student's grade level:

Grades K-3

• Lessons are written to guide the adult as they teach the student. At times, the adult and the student will sit at the computer together to look at pictures, read a story, or answer questions.

• More about lessons for grades K-3

Grades 4 Through Middle School

• Grades 4–5: Lessons reflect the student’s growing abilities. Much of the instruction on the computer is designed for students to use independently. Often, the adult will sit with the student at the computer during a lesson. Lessons that require adult guidance are indicated with an “adult guided” icon.

Each lesson comes with a teacher guide, which is a required lesson component at this level. The teacher guide gives you background information on the important concepts in the lesson, the required materials, an activity-by-activity description of what your student is learning, and the answers to any questions in the lesson. You may print the teacher guide from the Plan or from within the lesson if you are logged in to your adult account.

• Middle school (grades 6-8): Lessons for middle school are written directly to the student. The adult's role is to facilitate and supervise the student’s work.

Each lesson comes with a teacher guide, which provides an outline of what your student will learn during the lesson as well as coaching tips you can use to help your student when he has difficulty. Answers to assessments are also provided. You may print the teacher guide from the Plan or from within the lesson if you are logged in to your adult account.

• More about lessons for grades 4 through middle school

K12 lessons have features that differ from course to course. To learn more, refer to the course introductions. Course introductions provide information about the teaching philosophy of the courses. To access course introduction information, select “Course Introductions” from the left hand navigation in this Help section.