Domains
I have two reading groups. My first reading group is my high group. These students read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing for their first chapter book with me. This ended with a fun diorama project.
This is a Throwback Thursday lesson. Throwback Thursday is used as a way to go back to learned concepts throughout the year.
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
1d Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources
Not only do I use the teacher manual of the curriculum we use for each subject, but I also go out and look at a variety of other sources. I pull sources from the internet or other readings as a way to give more examples and guidance to better explain a certain concept to my students. Using more than one source brings in more examples for students, some may be better than others.
1f Designing Student Assessments
Here is a lesson for social studies that I started with the students in the beginning of our unit.
There is a variety of assessments that I do with my students. These include both formative and summative assessments. In my class students do a variety of things such as unit tests, spellings tests, and at the end of their reading group books we do a project. My favorite project I did with my students was our diorama.
Domain 2: Classroom Environment
2c Managing Classroom Procedure
Expectations are set in the beginning of the day so children know the routine for the rest of the day. If there is any change of schedule that day students will be aware in the beginning of the day. Students know that when an assignment is completed they must turn it in at the bin on the front desk. For subjects such as spelling students have a checklist where they check their name off on the front board when they finish a spelling assignment. Having students check off their own names allows for them to have some responsibility and accountability for their assignments.
2d Managing Student Behavior
Students that misbehave I talk to them and then have them owe some recess if it is a repeated thing. Students are often given instructions of "eyes on me" and "pencils up" so that I know they are paying attention. I also make sure that students are given a few minutes for transitions since it takes some students a little longer. Instructional groups are used for reading as a way to group high and low readers with each other hold each other accountable.
Domain 3: Instruction
3c Engaging Students in Learning
To engage students in learning I create lessons that are more than just listening to me talk. Once a week I try to do a fun STEM activity that may relate to things we have done that week in science or if it is a certain holiday that week. I use a lot of videos to explain different concepts to students in a more fun way. I also love to review with jeopardy. Student's often follow a newly learned concept with a fun activity or worksheet. Often I let students work in groups or partner unless it is a test. Engaging students in learning is how I believe they strive the most!
Link to geometry jeopardy review:
https://jeopardylabs.com/play/geometry-review-1530
3e Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness
In order to demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness I revise lessons based on the day before. If students are struggling with what I am teaching them I go back and revise the upcoming lessons or even revise the lesson that day if students seem to not be understanding. This allows more time to ensure that students understand the concept before moving onto something new.
4a Reflecting on Teaching
Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
4c Communicating with Families
Throughout the day in all subjects I ensure that I go around to all students as they are doing work and give constant feedback. During lessons students are given direct feedback and happens right as they are doing work so they can immediately correct themselves. Constant feedback ensures that students are not practicing mistakes.
4f Demonstrating Professionalism
Demonstrating professionalism is seen on a day to day basis, but something that is not noticeable to the students always. I always come into school put together, on time, and knowing what I am going to do that day with the students. Collaborating with other staff members shows that I am willing to learn from others and use other ideas that may be better than the ones that I have. I also am always sure to establish connections with other staffs members in the school district, including making sure the principal is aware of who I am and the passion that I have for teaching. I also was apart of a training involved with math where a professor came and trained a group of teachers on how to solve math word problems.
I have been able to easily communicate with families and students through SeeSaw. SeeSaw allows me be able to post activities for both students and families to see as well as allows me to get in contact with family members easily and quickly. No only do I connect with families through SeeSaw, but it is a platform that allows families to receive messages and updates from the principal. This website is easily accessible for all students as well as parents through phone, tablet, or computer.
