This digest looks at research findings and instructional applications concerning lesson structure for teacher directed initial instruction of mildly handicapped students. Research has identified seven critical elements of teaching method: gain the learner's attention, review relevant past learning, communicate the goal of the lesson, model the skill to be learned, prompt for correct response, check for skill mastery, and close the lesson. Specific findings and suggestions for implementation are provided for each of the elements. Twenty-one references and/or resources are listed. (DB)