Anyone else struggling to make ample progress on their lesson plans? I observed for the first time in my field placement today and really enjoyed the second grade class and teacher. I feel like if you get time to talk one-on-one with your teacher, that time is pure gold. Luckily, I talked to my cooperating teacher the entire recess period about my goals in this placement and my apprehensiveness toward teaching the lesson in front of the CC supervisor. My teacher made me feel much better about it all and like I had her full support.
As far as the teaching of the lesson and creating the lesson plans, my teacher told me that she rotates between 4 weeks of Social Studies and 4 weeks of Science during the time that I observe her classroom. So, that being said, I think I will focus my lesson plans on social studies or science for second graders. I may do 5 of each. I did notice that she incorporated a lot of reading/writing activities into her economics lesson today. For example, she read a book aloud about a child with an eye patch and did a T chart about costs/benefits that the child experienced throughout the book. Then, the class related this back to economics with a fun worksheet activity.
I can tell you, I was super nervous the first few times I had to be observed teaching a lesson. Just know, everyone wants you to succeed, and they are all on your side. If something goes wrong, that is a golden opportunity to show how you would handle such a situation in your own classroom (because stuff does go "wrong" a lot). With the cooperating teacher standing with you, you'll do great!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katy! I am actually thankful that we get these opportunities to step up on our own before we get our own classrooms. I really think that the teaching certification process helps prepare us for post-college. Just still nervous :)
DeleteIt's always a hefty task, writing 10 lesson plans. As far as I'm concerned, though, they don't have to be interlocked in anyway (say, when creating a curriculum). I find it best to just do it as I find time: A lesson plan here, parts of one there, and eventually it'll all come together!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think starting is the most difficult part. Once you have something to work with, I think it is much easier to continue and get things accomplished. That, and making sure Netflix is OFF.
DeleteWhen I do my lesson plans, I try to do at least two days in a row and if I get on a roll with the subject I just keep it going. I had a class where I did all the lesson plans on 1st grade science. This class may present different challenges but if you get on a roll with a subject, just go with it.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will do great! I just started this week and my cooperating teacher said that he has been basically making his lesson plans up the night before so I am nervous about what I will be teaching because I am teaching wherever he leaves off. Wish you the best!
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