Adapting Somos for a Block Schedule

Practical guidance for 70–120 minute class periods

Somos, Vamos, and Nous sommes were written with a 45–50 minute daily class period in mind, but many teachers successfully use these curricula on 70–120 minute block schedules. The key is not to cram more content into one day, but instead to rethink pacing, structure, and cognitive load.

Here’s what experienced block-schedule teachers recommend.

1. Don’t Try to Teach Two Days of Somos in One Block

The most common mistake is trying to “double up” lessons. Most teachers find that one day of suggested plans from the Teacher Guide often fills an entire block, especially when done with rich comprehension support, interaction, and brain breaks.

A realistic target is 1–1.5 suggested lesson plan days per block, not two full days. And, it’s completely fine to pause mid-lesson and pick up the next day!

Another key idea to keep in mind is that Block schedule ≠ double speed. Remember, you only see students half as often even though you're seeing them in longer chunks of time.

2. Plan in 20–30 Minute Chunks

Attention wanes quickly in long periods, so teachers recommend planning blocks in segments, not minutes.

A common structure might look like this:

Segment 1 (15–25 min) "Reconnecting"

• Bell ringer or cultural prompt
• Calendar talk / PQA / Weekend Chat
• Quick video or song

Segment 2 (20–30 min) "Lead with input"

• Core "lead with input" activity (storyasking, shared reading, clipchat, etc.) from the lesson plans
• Keep it interactive (turn-and-talk, predictions, drawings, quick polls)

Brain Break (2–5 min)

• Suggestions here!

Segment 3 (20–30 min) "Play with input"

1. Second Somos activity, reading, or guided practices
2. Partner work or interactive activity

Segment 4 (10–15 min) Independent Work / Wind Down

1. Free reading, Garbanzo, game, or writing
2. Exit ticket or quick assessment

3. Frontload the “Heavy Thinking”

Energy and attention are highest at the beginning. For that reason, put your "lead with input" activities first. Save partner work, reading, games, and writing for the second half. 

By the second half of a block, students are mentally and physically fatigued, so plan accordingly. The second half is a great time for independent, quiet work!

4. Build in Brain Breaks (Multiple!)

Block teachers consistently emphasize movement and reset breaks. As a rule of thumb, reset attention every 20-30 minutes. DON'T fall into the brain break trap of spending more time on brain breaks than you spend on instruction! Here are some ideas!

5. Use Reading to Extend Without Rushing

Many teachers fill extra time with reading-based routines, such as Garbanzo or FCR (Free Choice Reading). This lets you maintain pacing without artificially speeding up units.

6. Be Flexible with the Daily Order

Teachers on block often borrow activities from upcoming days of suggested lesson plans from the Teacher Guide; skip or save some tasks for later; and reorder storyasking, Write & Discuss, drawings, and readings. Remember that the lesson plans are a menu, not a script. They are suggestions that are meant for you to adapt to suit your needs and context!

7. Use the Bullet Planner 

Every Somos unit includes a bullet planner that lists all activities without daily pacing. Many block teachers plan by selecting 3–5 bullet items per block, stopping when time runs out, and picking up where they left off next class. This is one of the most effective ways to adapt Somos for block schedules.