One-Week Online Homeschool Lesson Plan for 13-Year-Old 5th Grader with IEP Needs

School Year Start: July 1st, 2025
Learning Environment: Online homeschooling with IEP needs

Day 1: Introduction and Setting Foundations

1. Lesson Titles:

• English: “Express Yourself – Creative Writing Basics”
• Math: “Number Relationships and Place Value”
• Science: “Exploring States of Matter”
• History: “Ancient Civilizations Overview”

2. Learning Objectives:

• English: Write a short descriptive paragraph using vivid imagery and sensory details by the end of the lesson.
• Math: Understand place value up to 1,000,000 and compare numbers using >, <, and = symbols.
• Science: Identify and classify solids, liquids, and gases with everyday examples.
• History: Name at least 3 ancient civilizations and describe one major characteristic of each.

3. Materials Needed:

• Notebook or digital writing app
• Colored pencils or markers
• Online math platform (Khan Academy or IXL)
• Household items (ice, water, balloon) for science demo
• History introductory video (YouTube or online curriculum platform)
• Timer or clock

4. Lesson Introduction:

English: Begin with a “Show, Don’t Tell” activity — describe an object in the room without naming it, encouraging imagination.
Math: Discuss why place value is important with real-life examples like money or measuring ingredients.
Science: Ask the student what things around them are solid, liquid, or gas, promoting curiosity.
History: Show images of pyramids, the Great Wall of China, and the Colosseum; ask what they notice.

5. Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration:

  • English: Write 5 sensory observations about an object or place in their home.
  • Math: Use place value blocks online or homemade place value chart.
  • Science: Experiment by observing melting ice and inflating balloon to demonstrate matter changes.
  • History: Watch an introductory video on ancient civilizations.

• Explanation:

  • English: Explain sensory details and how they make writing vivid.
  • Math: Review place value concepts and comparison symbols.
  • Science: Define solid, liquid, and gas formally.
  • History: Provide basic facts about each civilization.

• Application:

  • English: Write a paragraph describing their favorite place using 3 senses.
  • Math: Complete online place value and comparison exercises.
  • Science: Record observations from experiments.
  • History: Create a simple chart listing ancient civilizations’ names and key facts.

• Reflection:

  • Discuss what was easiest or challenging today in each subject.
  • Encourage questions to clarify understanding.

6. Assessment and Evaluation:

• Review paragraph for sensory details.
• Observe accuracy in place value and comparison exercises.
• Listen to student explain states of matter in their own words.
• Check the history chart for completeness.

7. Integration with Other Subjects:

• English and History: Storytelling inspired by ancient civilizations’ culture or myths.
• Science and Math: Measuring water before and after melting to link volume and matter.

8. Differentiation and Personalization:

• For IEP needs, allow extra time for writing and use speech-to-text tools if needed.
• If visuals help, use graphic organizers for paragraph planning.
• For enrichment, encourage adding metaphors or similes in writing.

9. Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Observe and describe a local park or backyard, focusing on sensory details and states of matter.
• Build a small model of an ancient structure with household recyclables.

10. Resources for Further Learning:

• Books: “Write All About It: Creative Writing for Kids” by Carole Marsh
• Websites: Khan Academy, IXL Math, Mystery Science online
• Videos: National Geographic Kids — Ancient Civilizations playlist
• Family activity: Share favorite personal stories using sensory language over dinner.

Day 2: Building Writing Skills and Math Foundations

1. Lesson Titles:

• English: “Crafting Strong Sentences”
• Math: “Multiplying and Dividing Multi-Digit Numbers”
• Science: “The Water Cycle and Its Importance”
• History: “Daily Life in Ancient Egypt”

2. Learning Objectives:

• English: Write sentences that include nouns, verbs, and adjectives properly to describe action and detail.
• Math: Multiply and divide numbers up to four digits with basic accuracy.
• Science: Explain the stages of the water cycle and its impact on weather.
• History: Describe daily activities, food, clothing, and jobs of ancient Egyptians.

3. Materials Needed:

• Sentence strips or index cards
• Calculator (optional)
• Globe or world map
• Video about the water cycle
• Printable worksheet on Ancient Egypt lifestyle

4. Lesson Introduction:

• English: Read a colorful sentence and identify nouns, verbs, adjectives.
• Math: Relate multiplication and division to sharing or grouping real objects like snacks.
• Science: Show clouds and rain as part of the water cycle using a time-lapse video.
• History: Discuss what life would be like without modern technology.

5. Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration:

  • English: Mix and match words on cards to create different sentences.
  • Math: Practice multiplying/dividing with objects (like pencils or beans).
  • Science: Draw the water cycle from memory after watching the video.
  • History: Read and discuss a day in the life of an Egyptian child.

• Explanation:

  • English: Clarify sentence structure and parts of speech role.
  • Math: Show steps of multiplication and division.
  • Science: Explain evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.
  • History: Highlight unique ancient Egyptian traditions.

• Application:

  • English: Write 5 original sentences using nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
  • Math: Complete a worksheet with multiplication and division problems.
  • Science: Conduct a mini water cycle in a plastic bag experiment.
  • History: Draw a scene depicting ancient Egyptian daily life.

• Reflection:

  • Student discusses what was easier or harder in each activity.
  • Use a journal to record their favorite fact or idea from history.

6. Assessment and Evaluation:

• Review sentences for correct structure.
• Observe accuracy in math problems.
• Evaluate understanding of water cycle through drawings.
• Check history drawing for relevant details.

7. Integration with Other Subjects:

• English and Science: Write a short story from the perspective of a water droplet.
• Math and History: Calculate time spans (e.g., years between ancient times and today).

8. Differentiation and Personalization:

• Use oral sentence-building games if writing is challenging.
• For math, provide step-by-step scaffolded problems.
• For enrichment, write a poem about the water cycle.

9. Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Observe weather changes during the day and journal observations.
• Prepare a simple Egyptian-inspired snack together to explore culture (lens-based food like lentils).

10. Resources for Further Learning:

• Books: “Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students”
• Websites: BrainPOP Water Cycle, History for Kids – Ancient Egypt
• Videos: SciShow Kids water cycle episodes
• Family activity: Discuss weather patterns during family walks or outings.

Day 3: Expanding Creativity and Mathematical Reasoning

1. Lesson Titles:

• English: “Imagine and Invent — Creative Storytelling”
• Math: “Fractions: Understanding Parts of a Whole”
• Science: “Plants and Photosynthesis”
• History: “Ancient Greece: Democracy and Mythology”

2. Learning Objectives:

• English: Create a short fictional story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Math: Identify and represent fractions using visual models.
• Science: Explain the basic process of photosynthesis and plant parts.
• History: Summarize the concept of democracy and tell one Greek myth.

3. Materials Needed:

• Story planning graphic organizer
• Fraction circles or paper cutouts
• Leaves or houseplants
• Video or storybook about Greek myths and democracy

4. Lesson Introduction:

• English: Read a brief imaginative story and discuss parts of the story.
• Math: Share a pie or pizza and talk about sharing it equally.
• Science: Look at a plant and ask what it needs to grow.
• History: Share a simple Greek myth orally.

5. Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration:

  • English: Brainstorm ideas for a story’s characters and setting.
  • Math: Use fraction paper to color parts and visualize fractions.
  • Science: Observe plant parts; touch leaves and stems.
  • History: Listen to a myth and discuss the moral or lesson.

• Explanation:

  • English: Teach story structure (beginning, middle, end).
  • Math: Explain numerator and denominator.
  • Science: Describe photosynthesis in simple terms (plant food from sunlight).
  • History: Explain Greek democracy in kid-friendly language.

• Application:

  • English: Write a 3-paragraph story based on brainstorm.
  • Math: Complete worksheet on identifying and comparing fractions.
  • Science: Draw and label a plant with notes on photosynthesis.
  • History: Retell the Greek myth in their own words and list characteristics of democracy.

• Reflection:

  • Share stories and drawings aloud; talk about what they enjoyed or found interesting.

6. Assessment and Evaluation:

• Evaluate story organization.
• Check accuracy on fraction activities.
• Monitor understanding in plant diagrams.
• Listen to retelling of myth for comprehension.

7. Integration with Other Subjects:

• English and History: Write a myth-inspired story incorporating Greek gods or heroes.
• Math and Science: Use fractions while measuring plant growth (e.g., half an inch).

8. Differentiation and Personalization:

• Provide sentence starters for story writing if needed.
• Use hands-on fraction games for kinesthetic learners.
• Enrichment: Create a mini-play about an ancient Greek event.

9. Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Visit a local garden or park, observe plants, and journal.
• Create a simple salad or snack, dividing ingredients (fractions math).

10. Resources for Further Learning:

• Books: “Greek Myths for Young Children” by Heather Amery
• Websites: National Geographic Kids, Fraction Games on ABCya
• Videos: TED-Ed Greek Mythology for kids
• Family Activity: Family storytelling night with invented myths.

Day 4: Developing Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

1. Lesson Titles:

• English: “Editing and Improving Your Writing”
• Math: “Decimals and Place Value”
• Science: “Simple Machines and How They Work”
• History: “Roman Empire: Rise and Fall”

2. Learning Objectives:

• English: Revise a written piece to add detail and correct grammar mistakes.
• Math: Understand decimals to the hundredths place and convert fractions to decimals.
• Science: Identify simple machines and explain their function.
• History: Outline key factors that led to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

3. Materials Needed:

• Draft of previous writing pieces
• Decimal place value chart
• Household items demonstrating simple machines (e.g., lever - broom)
• Videos or timelines about Rome
• Red and green pens for editing

4. Lesson Introduction:

• English: Read a short paragraph and spot errors together.
• Math: Show money (coins and bills) to explain decimals.
• Science: Show examples of levers, pulleys, and inclined planes from items at home.
• History: Display a timeline of Rome’s major events.

5. Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration:

  • English: Peer or parent edit session on their story.
  • Math: Practice decimal addition and subtraction with real-life examples (money).
  • Science: Identify simple machines and test how they make work easier.
  • History: Discuss causes and effects on Rome’s growth and decline.

• Explanation:

  • English: Explain importance of editing for clarity and detail.
  • Math: Define tenths and hundredths and model conversion.
  • Science: Describe mechanical advantage of simple machines.
  • History: Explain key causes of Roman Empire’s changes.

• Application:

  • English: Edit and rewrite their story.
  • Math: Complete decimal and fraction conversion exercises.
  • Science: Create a poster showing simple machines at home.
  • History: Write a short summary about Rome’s rise and fall.

• Reflection:

  • Discuss how editing improves writing and how decimals are used daily.
  • Share discoveries about machines and history.

6. Assessment and Evaluation:

• Review improved story drafts.
• Check decimal exercises for accuracy.
• Observe explanation during science poster creation.
• Evaluate summary for understanding.

7. Integration with Other Subjects:

• English and History: Write a diary entry as a Roman citizen.
• Math and Science: Measure distances using rulers and convert to decimals.

8. Differentiation and Personalization:

• Give extra examples and practice time with decimals.
• Use a checklist for editing to streamline process.
• Enrichment: Research and present an advanced simple machine (e.g., wheel and axle).

9. Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Use tools at home or garden to identify simple machines.
• Visit a local history museum or online virtual tour about Ancient Rome.

10. Resources for Further Learning:

• Books: “Decimals and Fractions” by David A. Adler
• Websites: PBS Learning Media - Simple Machines, History Channel Kids
• Videos: Rome History series on YouTube for kids
• Family Activity: Edit each other’s stories or letters for fun.

Day 5: Integration and Presentation Day

1. Lesson Titles:

• English: “Sharing Your Creative Work”
• Math: “Real-World Word Problems”
• Science: “Review and Explore Nature”
• History: “Comparing Ancient Civilizations”

2. Learning Objectives:

• English: Prepare and present a creative story to an audience clearly and confidently.
• Math: Solve word problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Science: Recall key science concepts and make natural observations.
• History: Compare features of at least two ancient civilizations.

3. Materials Needed:

• Edited stories from the week
• Word problem worksheets or digital quizzes
• Nature journaling supplies (notebook, pencil)
• Comparison chart template

4. Lesson Introduction:

• Discuss importance of sharing work and listening respectfully.
• Present real-world situations where math is needed.
• Talk about observing nature’s changes.
• Review civilizations previously studied.

5. Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration:

  • Prepare story presentations; practice reading aloud.
  • Solve math problems with contextual clues.
  • Take a nature walk (even virtual tours if needed) and jot observations.
  • Fill in a comparison chart of civilizations.

• Explanation:

  • Tips on tone, pace, and expression for presentations.
  • Strategies for breaking down word problems.
  • Remind key science facts on plants, water cycle, and matter.
  • Highlight similarities and differences among civilizations.

• Application:

  • Present story to family or tutor.
  • Complete 5 word problems and explain process aloud.
  • Draw or write about a nature observation.
  • Summarize civilizations in a compelling paragraph.

• Reflection:

  • Discuss feelings about presenting and learning this week.
  • Celebrate achievements and identify areas to grow.

6. Assessment and Evaluation:

• Informal observation of oral fluency and confidence.
• Review word problem solutions.
• Evaluate nature journal entries for insight.
• Check completed comparison chart for accuracy.

7. Integration with Other Subjects:

• Combine English presentation and History by telling a story set in an ancient civilization.
• Incorporate Math when describing quantities or measurements in science.

8. Differentiation and Personalization:

• Offer option to record presentation instead of live reading.
• Simplify or extend word problems based on skill level.
• Use drawing or other creative outlets to show understanding.

9. Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Share stories with extended family online to practice communication skills.
• Cook a recipe using math for measurements.
• Plan a garden or plant seeds using knowledge of plants and science.

10. Resources for Further Learning:

• Books: “Show, Don’t Tell: A Guide to Storytelling” by Abigail Patterson
• Websites: Education.com word problems, National Wildlife Federation for nature activities
• Videos: Storytelling tips for kids (YouTube), SciShow Kids review episodes
• Family Activity: Reflect collectively on the week, setting goals for next.

Additional Notes for Parents/Guardians:

• Flexibility: Each day’s schedule can be shifted or broken into shorter segments as needed.
• Parental Involvement: Help facilitate discussions, assist with technology, provide encouragement and structure.
• Learning Environment: Create a quiet, organized workspace with all materials accessible.
• Multi-Age Adjustments: Younger siblings can listen to stories and participate in simplified activities; older siblings can be assigned enrichment tasks or leadership roles.
• IEP Considerations: Use assistive technology such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and visual supports. Allow breaks and adjust pacing.
• Cultural Relevance: Encourage incorporation of family histories or traditions into writing and discussions.

This plan aims to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence while building foundational skills aligned with grade-level expectations and personalized to the student’s needs.