November 20th

Today we had another work day. We started off the class with a group discussion regarding everything that is coming up in the future. We passed around a sign up sheet for our final projects as well. We tied up all of our loose ends and then got together in our groups to write our last lesson plan. This lesson plan needed to have hooks to the grade before it and after it in order to better help us prepare for 'real life' teaching. I think it was a great learning opportunity and again I was so productive and my group got everything done. We chose to do a unit on measurement and we used a projector to tie in technology. I am excited to see how everyone's lesson hook and what activities they are all doing.

November 13th

Today in class we had a work day. We got to work with our partners to do our second lesson plan. This lesson plan is based on a book we are going to use to introduce the science aspect of the lesson. My partner and I decide we would introduce our lesson on bats with Stellaluna. The book focuses on a baby bat that is separated from her mother and what she does to get back to her mom. My partner and I found a South Dakota science content standard for 1st grade. This standard says that first graders are able to list needs of people and other animals. I am happy we had the chance to get so much done today and my partner and I were very productive. It really helps having a work day in the classroom!

November 6th

Today we started out with viewing the revised schedule/syllabus. I think this was important to start with so every student was on the same page. Then we discussed the 5 E-model. We viewed a PowerPoint dealing with this model, which did a good job of explaining all of the steps. What I learned from this PowerPoint is that the 5 E-models consists of the the 5 E’s which are Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. The engaging stage is when students use their background knowledge to make new connections. The exploring stage is where the students use their knowledge when working with materials. The explaining stage is when students use their findings to begin talking about what they are learning. The elaboration stage is where students build upon their thoughts they just learned are able to change their views. The evaluating stage is where the teacher decides if their students have learned the material and gained more knowledge about the material then when they started.

Then we did a lab regarding the 5 E-model. We chose to focus on the Explore stage. We described what the students would be doing for the lab and then we did the lab ourselves from our own directions to see if everything was clear. This lab was fun and simple. After doing the lab we realized that what happens in the higher concentrated mixture was that the potato floated. I think this was a little difficult to see because we had kept stirring the mixture so we didn't see the potatoes floating. Overall, this was a great lab and a great way to incorporate what we learned from lecture into our lab experiment!

November 4th

Today was a good day. We opened the class with a presentation. The presentation was on the four seasons and I thought it was very well done. I loved the video and thought their activity was awesome. I really liked their activity on creating a book throughout the entire year. This would be a great way to incorporate their unit for the entire year.

Next we all went outside and set off the bottle rockets from the previous lab lesson presented. This was fun! We all wore the appropriate safety garments. It was great to observe and more people, that weren't in our class, came and watched also. It made me feel like I was back in elementary school, but in a good way.

Then we moved on an discussed our assignments. I thought this was helpful because everyone has a better idea about what is expected and going on in the next few weeks. I feel a little overwhelmed, however I think things will all work out.

Then we went through an assessment PowerPoint. This was interesting, but had a lot of information to digest. I think this was helpful though and a good introduction to our new book we will be reading!