This week I would like to talk about a lesson that went well. I began by handing each student a song to help them with rounding. I sang a little so they could hear the beat. They joined in for the rest of the song. This was followed by an introduction to rounding.
One thing that I want to do in my teaching is to get students out of their seats. So, instead of a rounding worksheet for this particular session, I found and tweaked an activity called "In the Neighborhood". I created houses for the tens, hundreds, and thousands (10, 20, 30.....100, 200, 300....1,000, 2,000...) I also created a skateboarder who was given a number and did not know which family he needed to visit. For example, I wrote 18 above the boy and the student needed to come to the board and move him to the family (20) that he needed to visit. I also had students explain how they knew the right house (by looking in the ones place). When they were ready to move on we went to the hundreds then the thousands.
I felt that the students enjoyed this lesson. They liked that he was a skateboarder and we even joked about how tired he must be from visiting all of those families.
This was the first lesson that I have received an observation on, even though Mrs. Blickenstaff always gives me feedback. There were things I did not take into account that would need to be changed for next time. First, the noise level was too high during this activity. I had students call out answers, but in an open classroom setting this would need to be changed into volunteers to keep the level in control. Also, Mrs. Blickenstaff pointed out to me that the numbers on the houses needed to be larger for the students to see in the back. I was glad to have this feedback because I did not notice this. Since I had laminated these, I figure they could always be used in small group, when students are near the board.
She also gave me positive feedback which included how she noticed that the students enjoyed the song, it was a fun learning experience to begin the lesson, and that it was a great use of hand made manipulatives. Mrs. Blickenstaff alos pointed out how I call on a variety of students, encourage/recognize all of their responses, and how I walk around to monitor each student.
The observation for this lesson was great for me to not only realize things that I may overlook, but also to see the positive things that I am doing without even thinking about it!
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Are the students seeing u as the teacher by now? Hopefully, this will become a distant memory. I can see why for the students could be confusing when you introduce a sub into the mix.
ReplyDeleteAn idea that occurred to me why reading yoru account of the activity where students got out of their seats. I can see you incorporating a predictable physical activity that u use throughout the day/week, so that the students know the procedure and what's expected, and that you can incorporate reinforcement/practice of concnepts or ideas while doing this. Something you'll probably figure out by the end of your internship. A lot of this takes time to internalize. Expertise takes time.
Kimberly did an excellent job teaching her "Neighborhood Math Rounding" lesson. The students were extremely intrigued by her song, hand made manipulatives, and moving around. The lesson was very well thought out and taught.
ReplyDeleteYes, I made a few suggestions. However, Kimberly is always open for new ideas. Constantly, she wants to better herself and the class. Enthusiasm is contagious!!!
The more you teach the easier it will be for you to tweak these activities. Singing is the way I teach. So, it is great to hear you are singing with your children. I also watched a special on CBS News which dealt with a successful school in America. Those students seemed to be singing everything and dancing along with it. I couldn't take my eyes off the T.V. , wanted to work in that school.
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