Create Units with AI: Unit Planner
Designing a curriculum unit is more than just mapping out topics—it’s about creating a structured, research-backed plan that guides students toward meaningful learning outcomes. With its focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Backward Design, Alayna’s Unit Planner helps educators develop thorough, effective units aligned with best practices.
Whether you’re creating a unit from scratch or refining an existing plan, Alayna’s collaborative workflow ensures your curriculum meets the needs of every learner while saving you valuable time.
Interactive Walkthrough: How It Works
Discover the step-by-step workflow of the Unit Planner, including:
Defining desired learning outcomes.
Identifying evidence for student understanding.
Designing learning experiences and assessments using UDL principles.
The walkthrough highlights how Alayna combines Backward Design with UDL to create a robust unit plan tailored to your goals.
How Teachers Are Using Alayna’s Unit Planner
1. Elementary Teachers: Building Inclusive Learning Units
Example:
Ms. Carter, a 3rd-grade teacher, is planning a unit on fractions. She begins with the end goal: ensuring students can model fractions in real-world contexts. The Unit Planner helps her:
Define performance tasks to demonstrate understanding.
Incorporate UDL principles like hands-on activities, visual aids, and interactive group work.
Result:
A unit that includes diverse learning experiences, ensuring all students grasp foundational math concepts.
2. Middle School Teachers: Mapping Cross-Disciplinary Units
Example:
Mr. Ramirez, a 7th-grade social studies teacher, plans a unit on the Industrial Revolution. Using the Unit Planner, he:
Specifies goals like “Students will analyze the impact of industrialization on society.”
Identifies key assessments, such as a research project and class debate.
Designs learning experiences that include primary source analysis, multimedia tools, and hands-on activities.
Result:
A cross-disciplinary unit that integrates history, economics, and critical thinking skills.
3. High School Teachers: Preparing Rigorous Units for Advanced Courses
Example:
Ms. Lee, an AP Biology teacher, plans a unit on cellular respiration. She uses the Unit Planner to:
Focus on the overarching question: “How do cells generate energy?”
Plan labs, quizzes, and discussions to assess student understanding.
Incorporate UDL strategies, such as flexible assessments and multimedia resources, to support diverse learners.
Result:
A detailed, rigorous unit that prepares students for success on the AP exam.
4. College Professors: Structuring Complex Courses
Example:
Dr. Ahmed, a political science professor, is designing a unit on democratic systems. Using Alayna, he:
Starts with the goal: “Students will compare and contrast different democratic systems.”
Develops assessments like a comparative essay and group presentation.
Plans engaging activities, including case studies and simulations, to deepen understanding.
Result:
A well-organized unit that balances depth and engagement while fostering critical thinking.
5. Special Education Teachers: Crafting Personalized Units
Example:
Ms. Rivera, a special education teacher, is creating a unit on budgeting. The Unit Planner helps her:
Define the goal: “Students will create a personal budget and track spending.”
Plan scaffolded assessments, like guided practice and independent projects.
Use UDL principles to provide multiple ways for students to engage and demonstrate learning.
Result:
A personalized unit that meets her students’ unique needs while building life skills.
How Alayna’s Unit Planner is Different
Backward Design Framework: Start with the end in mind by identifying desired outcomes and planning backward to achieve them.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Incorporate multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression to support diverse learners.
Research-Backed Practices: Align your unit plans with proven instructional models, ensuring effective and impactful learning experiences.
Flexible Planning: Adapt units for different subjects, grade levels, and student needs.
Comprehensive Workflow: Move seamlessly through all stages of planning, from objectives to assessments to instructional strategies.
What Educators Are Saying
“Alayna’s Unit Planner helped me rethink my entire approach to curriculum planning. The combination of Backward Design and UDL ensures I’m reaching all my students while keeping the big picture in mind.”
– Mr. Thompson, High School Science Teacher
Conclusion
Planning effective curriculum units doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Alayna’s Unit Planner, educators can create thoughtful, inclusive, and research-backed units that drive meaningful learning outcomes. Whether you’re teaching elementary math or advanced college courses, this tool empowers you to design with confidence and purpose.
Ready to streamline your unit planning?
Plan smarter. Teach better. Alayna is here to support you every step of the way.
