It was great to return back to the classroom this morning! Today was an unusual day, as it was a snow day that delayed school for two hours. They missed a full day yesterday, which happened to be Valentine's Day. Before the students arrived for the day, my partner, the classroom teacher, and I decided the topic of our unit. Then, we began helping to set up the classroom. Although, I was unable to observe a full lesson, my partner and I were able to assist the students with a pattern activity as the teacher completed the morning attendance and lunch check routine. As the students were taking their seats and beginning their work on the activity, my partner and I were helping to manage where they would keep the Valentines (certainly a distraction for Kindergarteners) to ensure they would stay on task. This seems like such a small task, but for 21 students that are all around 5 years old it can be a huge distraction. As with any other independent activity, the teacher had an additional assignment lined up for those students that finish quickly. I have found that these minor oversights can be a major management problem for a Kindergarten class- or any class for that matter. After the morning routine was completed, the teacher told the students to remind her when the clock was at 1050, when the big hand is on the 10, so they could leave for lunch. Again, it is those small teachable moments that helps students gain independence with tasks such as telling time.
After the students left the classroom, I was able to discuss lesson ideas with the teacher. She is always very helpful in making sure we are aware of the students routines (for math, reading, etc.), so we can keep the students focused on the lesson rather than teaching them the steps. We discussed various methods to teach the unit, and she gave me some great ideas for activities. The teacher reviewed some of the projects the students had completed, since we last observed. She finds very creative ways to integrate multiple content areas into one lesson, and the kids love it!
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3 comments:
I think finding creative ways to integrate across the curriculum is a vital characteristic in order to be a great teacher. Students attain greater depth of knowledge when they can make connections within and across subjects to create a broad context for understanding. Hopefully we can all learn how to do this effectively to help our students achieve deeper understanding!
"I have found that these minor oversights can be a major management problem for a Kindergarten class- or any class for that matter."
Absolutely. I'm learning more and more through these teaching experiences, that management is critical in a classroom. You can have the best lesson, but without management, it may be a disaster. I can imagine that this is particularly crucial for a kindergarten class as large as the one you and your partner are observing.
Jessica-
You mentioned the use of "teachable moments." I encourage you to think about how you, as a teacher, will identify those moments and make the most of them. And, as you embark on teaching your unit, I hope you will seek those moments, take advantage of them, and see how they turn out.
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