Since then I always wanted to gain teaching experience, specifically in first grade. I had an opportunity to do so when an assignment from my Teaching Elementary Science class. The assignment was to modify a "cook-book" science lesson and change it to include the "three legs of science". (Please refer to my science philosophy page on my blog to see this great assignment!) Anyways, I asked a first grade teacher at 123 Elementary if I could teach that lesson in January when the standard appears on the curriculum calendar. She was more then willing for me to come in and teach it. I was so excited! I came into her class and observed her science language so I could get back in the swing of things in the primary world! 5th grade is very different!
My lesson reflections, plan, and pictures from that day are posted below. The pictures include my lesson plan notecards, student's data, and me teaching. Enjoy!
Teacher Takeaways!
Glows: -Improved technology not working by drawing on the whiteboard. -"Scientists! What does it look like to be ready for learning?" setting expectations in a new environment -Multiple exposure to the objectives (science notebooks, diagram, NatGeo book, fireplace, postcards) -Science notebook instruction was a guided discovery! Yay! One of my science teaching goals. :) | Grows:-It was very difficult being in classroom where I did not know my students (names, academically, personality, learning styles, ETC.) -Being more assertive with my teacher language -Being more cautious with my vocabulary (using more kid-friendly words* different from 5th grade kid-friendly words) -Watch my timing with the 5 E's of my lesson -Having technology prepared by remembering the school blocks Youtube, even if the video is safe for children. If I could reteach this lesson I would address the misconceptions I observed from collecting their post-cards. Overall, every student correctly labeled the sun and could answer the essential question! SUCCESS! Yay first grade! |