I was assigned to create a differentiated lesson plan using technology and literacy for four subgroups for my Literacy Project. This is familiar territory for a person like me because I am an educator. A teacher’s life is ALL about meeting the instructional needs of different leveled learners. I was still comfortable in my abilities despite how extensive the lesson plan template was. However, once I began to write out ALL this information, I began to feel slightly overwhelmed. I began to question myself. Do I actually incorporate all these 13 areas of a lesson plan like this in my normal everyday practice?? I am used to addressing these 13 particular areas in my head, but having to write them ALL out in a lesson plan template or format? This was not a normal practice of mine. But, I will be doing so for this Literacy Project. I suddenly found myself taking 2 days just to create this lesson plan assignment (3 hours one day, 9 hours another). Who knew it would take me this long? Not I! I created a 4th grade Social Studies activity on students’ reading interviews or listened to audio support about the Daily Lifestyles of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans. Students recorded notes about this information.
My fourth graders are just beginning to use Non-fiction texts and research in our second marking period so this was a perfect segue to this activity. Based upon the information collected from the students’ notes they will be able to use a Venn Diagram, a T-chart, or a pretend postcard to share their research understanding in order to compare and contrast the lifestyles of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag. If this seems overwhelming on paper, imagine following through with the actual lesson with 24 students in a class!!
Reflecting on this assignment, overall my 4th grade students did a terrific job! I was impressed with how well they took notes independently, explained events in a historical fashion as well as comparing and contrasting a firsthand and secondhand account of the same event. They ultimately collaborated with one another by building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. It’s amazing! Most of the class was successful in reaching the assigned goal. I am looking forward to challenging my students’ abilities by fostering a love of learning and the ability to achieve. As long as I am guiding and instructing their learning in ways that captures the most of their potential and address their various learning styles, student achievement will occur.
My fourth graders are just beginning to use Non-fiction texts and research in our second marking period so this was a perfect segue to this activity. Based upon the information collected from the students’ notes they will be able to use a Venn Diagram, a T-chart, or a pretend postcard to share their research understanding in order to compare and contrast the lifestyles of the Pilgrims and Wampanoag. If this seems overwhelming on paper, imagine following through with the actual lesson with 24 students in a class!!
Reflecting on this assignment, overall my 4th grade students did a terrific job! I was impressed with how well they took notes independently, explained events in a historical fashion as well as comparing and contrasting a firsthand and secondhand account of the same event. They ultimately collaborated with one another by building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. It’s amazing! Most of the class was successful in reaching the assigned goal. I am looking forward to challenging my students’ abilities by fostering a love of learning and the ability to achieve. As long as I am guiding and instructing their learning in ways that captures the most of their potential and address their various learning styles, student achievement will occur.