Lesson #1 Reflection

Standard 4: Professional Growth and Responsibilities

Component 4.1: Reflecting on Practice

Performance Indicators: RIPTS 3,9,10/INTASC 9/CEC 6

WHAT?

    Despite having locked most of the materials we had prepared in my car right before the lesson, I think the lesson went well given the circumstances. We did not have behavior expectations and the agenda posted for the students to see, but they still understood what was expected of them. The students worked with Madison to create a map of Maine after listening to the read aloud. They used the information from the read aloud to decide what was important information to put on the map. Once I was able to get the materials out of my car, the students created their own personal maps of Maine to keep in their folders. We went over where Maine is in the United States, and we were able to better discuss important vocabulary words that went along with this lesson. When there was 10 minutes left of the lesson time, the students played the Blooket review game and scored well. We played “Fishing Frenzy” because fishing was one of the activities we discussed you could do in Maine. We also had time to watch wildlife live streams of Maine, and looked at the physical features and the animals we saw.

    All of the students met the SLOs addressed in this lesson. All students were able to identify and describe locations on a map by reading a key and label key features. They were also all able to explain how physical features affect how people live and work. All of the students were excited to participate in the activities of this lesson.

Pictures of student maps:

Picture of student Blooket scores:

SO WHAT?

    From this experience, I learned how important it is to be able to think quickly when unexpected things happen. For example, locking yourself out of your car with the majority of the lesson materials inside. Madison and I were able to adapt our lesson plan to the materials we had available, and adjusted our plan so all students could be successful. Although I was able to get into my car about half way through the lesson, the students had already met the SLOs addressed in the lesson. I now understand how critical this skill is, especially as an educator. So many things can come up unexpectedly throughout a school day, for example having the copy machine go down or the WIFI go out, and it is important to know how to react and adjust accordingly. Despite the unpredictable morning, the students were successful in this lesson.

NOW WHAT?

    This lesson showed me the importance of thinking quickly and being flexible. It taught me to prepare for the lesson and to know the material that I am going to present. Then, if something unexpected like this happens, I will have the ability to adapt and overcome. I also realized that despite how I was feeling, there were students who were counting on me to teach them. If I let my emotions consume me, then I would not be any good to the students. This is something that I am glad that I learned in a practicum experience. As far as what I could have done differently and how this will impact how I teach in the future, I could have planned a back-up lesson that allowed me to use technology to be used if the print materials were unavailable. Thinking ahead, I would assume that the opposite is true as well, as it would be important to have a back-up plan that includes printed materials when the primary lesson relies on technology. Overall though, I think I will get myself a spare key so this does not happen in the future.