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UDL Lesson Planner

Build a lesson using the Universal Design for Learning framework, attach accommodation supports for individual students, and generate accessible alternatives for any text-based material. Shown below: a worked example for Writing a Personal Narrative (Module 3, Grade 7 ELA).

Lesson Details

Lesson Flow

🎯 Direct Instruction 10 min

🤝 Guided Practice 15 min

✍️ Independent Practice 20 min

🧪 Assessment

🏠 Homework

💭 Reflection

Universal Design for Learning

Every lesson is planned across all three UDL principles so it works for the whole class without retrofitting later.

💛 Multiple Means of Engagement

  • Offer choice of "small moment" topic from students' known interests (e.g., basketball, LEGO, ocean animals, graphic novels) so every student has an authentic story to tell.
  • Open with a relatable mentor text to build interest before independent writing begins.
  • Provide a visual progress tracker so students can see each planning step move them closer to a finished draft.
  • Build in low-stakes partner rehearsal before writing, reducing anxiety around getting started.

🟢 Multiple Means of Representation

  • Present the mentor text in print, audio read-aloud, and think-aloud video-annotated formats.
  • Model the graphic organizer with a completed visual example, not just a blank template.
  • Pre-teach key vocabulary (sensory detail, point of view, sequence) with icons and one-sentence, student-friendly definitions.
  • Provide sentence starters and a sensory-detail word bank for students who need support generating language.

🟠 Multiple Means of Action & Expression

  • Offer response-format choice: type, handwrite, or dictate the opening paragraph using speech-to-text.
  • Provide a chunked, one-box-at-a-time version of the graphic organizer for students with executive-functioning needs.
  • Allow extended time and a reduced-distraction workspace during independent drafting.
  • Give students a self-checklist in the Success Criteria language so they can monitor their own progress before submitting.

Accommodation Options

Toggle the supports built into this lesson. Pre-checked items match Jordan Thompson's active IEP accommodations for this class.

Mapped from Jordan's IEP: Extended Time → Extended Time; Read-Aloud → Read-Aloud; Chunked Assignments → Simplified Directions; Visual Directions → Visual Supports; Alternative Response Options → Alternative Response Format; Reduced-Distraction Setting → Preferential Seating.

Accessible Alternatives

Automatically generate a simplified-text, audio, visual-support, printable, and alternative-assessment version of today's mentor text and directions.