Phase I: Reflections on Micro Lessons Preparation

Phase I: Reflections on Micro Lessons Preparation

1.                Assessing Prior Knowledge:  My targeted grade level of students is KINDERGARTEN

Prior experience would have taken place for this particular lesson as I showed the inflated globe and asked the students question about what it was.  ie: What is this? (Globe) Answers that might help me assess the students prior experience might be -- World, Earth, Planet, Water, land, I don't know, ball, beach ball. These answers would help me know how much I would have to explain and where to begin my teaching instruction.

2.                Plans Instruction: 

As I plan my lessons, knowing what prior experience is, and where to start my teaching from, is essential.  Knowing your students is what it is all about.  Teaching is best when you can relate your teaching to something familiar to the students. My objectives are clearly stated in my lesson plan.  I have thought through how my teaching can challenge students on all levels and tried to foresee the abilities and actions and finishing times of my students.  I have provided curriculum that is appropriate for Kindergartners  and aligned my teaching to fulfill the objectives of the state standards.  

3.                Designing Instruction: Lesson Plan Link:

My lesson plan is contextually and logically organized. I have taken each concept and explained them and provided opportunities to check for understanding.  I have used scaffolding in my teaching concepts, building on what the students know to expand their knowledge.  I will give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge through hands-on opportunities on the worksheets and the iPad.  I  will give students the opportunities to share ideas with one another and share their experiences with land and water, maps and globes. Students may also share experiences with boats, water, land, mountains, ... Using Google Earth and/or the video will provide perspective for students. I will be prepared and make sure that the technology that I will be using is ready and working properly  One other aspect of my teaching that I feel is very important is the displaying of work.  I feel when you display a child's work it accomplishes a couple of things. One, is it provides a way for a student to take pride in what they have created and learned.  It also helps students be accountable for finishing their work.  It doesn't need to be displayed long sometimes only until the students go home that day. 

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1.                Planning Assessment: 

·       I feel that student discussions, game and worksheet all provide assessments for my students and the material I have presented.  Expanding students thinking through sharing about the Earth's land and water and then identifying the means of transportation

that are used on both land and water will help to cement learning.  Learning can come from discussions and worksheet activity but also I will give the students opportunities to research and learn about other aspects of the Earth, maps and globes through picture books, creative drawing with the iPad and learning through actual pictures of earth (video, google earth).