This week has been yet another adventure for me at Watson Elementary School. I am not stressed or overwhelmed with lesson plans or having a substitute teacher, instead my adventure involved my excitement I see with students are actively engaged and excited in learning.
Students love getting out of their seats to learn. For math, I had students come to the board to show me that they can give change for an item they "purchased". We went on a toy store adventure one day and bought toys for our friends, family, and ourselves. Students worked well in partners on this activity. Thursday we were tired of shopping and went to a ballgame and bought snacks. Students were able to draw their snack before they figured it out. Seeing this lesson showed me that this class has grown and are now able to work with others to work on the goal for the lesson.
I have been learning more and more that hands-on is the way to go. Thursday, I broke students into 5 separate groups. Together we experimented on how animals keep warm. It's amazing what a bowl, ice, water, gloves, and crisco can do! Independent work was completed by students at their seat while they were not experimenting. These students were to research an animal and create a space for them in an animal park. All students were excited!!! They didn't think they were working because they had choices and were able to draw.
As I was making this lesson I was nervous. First, I was being observed. More importantly, the students have never done independent research. So, what happened? They were on-task, knew what they were looking for, and enjoyed themselves!
I received some very good feedback from this lesson from both my host teacher and my liason. I was so happy to see that others feel I am progressing, because I feel that I am now where I need to be. Teaching is what I am supposed to do! The lessons this week were so important because not only were the children excited, but so was I! I don't feel this is a job when I am enjoying what I am doing so much!
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I think this is the beginning of week 9! See you later this week/thursday. 3rd grade has been a mystery to me, as my student teaching was in 5th and i've observed all grades, but I can mentally prepare for K-2, 4-5. Is 3rd more like 4-5 or 2nd grade?
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Having a great Intern reminds me of why Benedum is sooo important to both our school and "seasoned" teachers. Kimberly is gaining more confidence with each lesson that she teaches. Henceforth with each of her lessons, I get excited and reminded of why I became a teacher. Not only did her science lesson motivate the students, but it motivated me to see that the students yearn for student lead group opportunities. POSITIVE LEARNING IS CONTAGIOUS!!
ReplyDeletehere's another comment. After observing your classroom, 3rd grade is LESS of a mystery. I can see that 3rd is closer to 4th-5th graders than 1st and 2nd graders. The PBL strategy should work with this grade. I like PBL as its an over-arching way to keep students in activity and responsible for their learning. Take advantage of their desire to be physically active but also responsible in the groups.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if your grouping strategy (who goes in what groups) changes with the task and/or during the school year. This would have been a good AR topic, as grouping strategies need to be made carefully with a clear purpose in mind.
keep going!
don't forget your Exit Portfolio is keyed to the 10 Char. of the Novice Teacher. Think about candidates for artifacts to include, so DOCUMENT now before you leave the internship. Just a headsup