Lesson #5 Reflection

Standard 4: Professional Growth and Responsibilities

Component 4.1: Reflecting on Practice

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

WHAT?

For this lesson, the students learned about the Penobscot tribe from Maine through a video, a compare and contrast activity, a read aloud, and a craft activity. The video was difficult for the students to understand due to the noise level of the classroom and the small speakers on the MacBook. All students met expectations during the compare and contrast activity, where they compared American culture today to the culture of the Penobscot tribe. The students seemed to enjoy the read aloud, “Many Hands: A Penobscot Indian Story” by Angeli Perrow. They also seemed to enjoy the basket making activity. This group of students enjoys hands-on activities that allow them to be creative.

We were unable to finish the Blooket review game because the basket making activity ran longer than planned. We were able to get through 10/16 questions that reviewed material learned from this lesson, as well as a review of previous lessons. We went through these questions together, and allowed the students to discuss after they answered each question. The students were able to use the resources in their folders to find the answers if they did not remember. The student’s scores were not saved because we did not get through all of the questions.

Finished basket for students to reference:

Student's making the baskets:

Student basket:

SO WHAT?

From this experience, I learned the importance of being flexible when planning and implementing a lesson. When planning the lesson, I found a basket weaving activity that would allow the students to successfully complete the activity within the time allotted. The students used yarn and cut paper plates to weave their baskets. During the lesson, we had planned for the read aloud to go after the brief vocabulary discussion, followed by the video and compare and contrast activity. When implementing the lesson, it made more sense to put the read aloud before the basket making activity, and complete the other activities first. This allowed for the lesson to run smoother and make more sense to the students.

NOW WHAT?

This experience will influence how I plan and teach in the future because I have practice being flexible throughout my lessons. I know the importance of quick thinking and understanding that the lesson may not go as planned. This experience will influence my professional identity because I saw how important it is to teach students about different cultures. The students enjoyed making their baskets after reading about how basket making is part of Penobscot culture. I hope to continue sharing different cultures and traditions with my students to promote their appreciation of diversity.