The NDBT Back to School Series: Differentiated Explicit Phonics Plans
Explicit Phonics Plans Are Here, and They're Built for All Learners
The first set of explicit phonics lesson plans is now available in the ND Brain Trust library. These plans are evidence-based, zero-cost, ready to use, and designed with the kind of intentionality necessary to make learning accessible to a range of learners.
Here's what makes these different.
Embedded Differentiation
Every lesson plan includes differentiation notes built directly into the instruction, not as an add-on or a separate document, but woven into the lesson itself. Because differentiation isn't something you layer on top of good instruction. It is good instruction.
The differentiation notes address the range of learners most likely to be in your small group including those who need more scaffolding, those who are ready to extend, and those whose processing differences require a different entry point entirely.
Cognitive Load Theory in the Design
These plans are structured around the principles of cognitive load theory. This is the research-based framework that examines how much mental effort a learner's working memory can handle at once. If you’d like to learn more about this design theory, check out this blog post.
In practical terms that means: one new concept at a time, deliberate sequencing that builds on prior knowledge, instructional language designed to reduce unnecessary processing demand so learners can focus their cognitive resources on the skill itself, and differentiation strategies that can help further lower cognitive load for your learners as needed.
For neurodivergent learners whose working memory and processing demands may already be elevated, this design principle isn't a nice-to-have. It's essential.
Musical-Phonetic Intervention Framework Connections
Each lesson includes callout references to the MPI Framework to further support your instruction. These plans are designed to continue building on the MPI Framework as you move students from decoding words with short and long vowels into more complex phonics applications.
Where to Find Them
The explicit phonics lesson plans are available now in the ND Brain Trust Resources Library. Watch for more ND educator and learner supports to be posted in the NDBT all month long!