Thinking maps: We learned about 8 different types of thinking maps tonight. One of the ones I will use is the circle map. The middle of the circle is a word such as spiders in the one above. Then the outer circle is things about the word on the inside of the small circle. I think this could be used when introducing a lesson. Pick a thing that is in the lesson being taught and use the bigger circle to have the students write what they know about that word/item. Then at the end of the lesson they can use a different color and write things that they learned during the lesson about the word or item in the little circle. This would engage students to expand their knowledge.
Jupiter Lesson: I liked the Jupiter lesson. I think this was a great idea for learning vocabulary. I think the lesson could be expanded on to include what they learned about the facts about Jupiter. Some type of game could also be used to learn the facts. I liked the paragraph where they thought of a name that they would use when naming it today.
Lesson Plan Evaluating: I liked evaluating the lesson plan. I think this will help me when I am writing my own lesson plans for class. I will be teaching a lesson for the second time and am not as nervous as before but am always worried about not having enough time or having too much time for the lesson and having to add or take away. I know I will get better at this but when you are being watched by so many people it is hard (not the children but the adults). I am looking forward to this observation because I have been in constant communication with the teachers I will be observing which lets me know that they care and want me to succeed. I plan on getting a lot of information this time around.
Question: How are your observations going? What is your favorite thinking map?
To answer your questions: My observations are going well and have received some useful feedback as a 2nd year teacher and I really like thinking maps where we can compare and contrast since my students are often observing examples they need to discuss. I am also glad we evaluated the lesson plan. I think it helps to be on the other side and improves our understanding of what we are encountering as teachers.
ReplyDeleteYour peer observations are some of the most rewarding ones. Those aren't for evaluation, but to help you improve. I cannot wait to hear about them!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I like your details on the thinking maps. I think they are useful too. I focus on the wise mapping, which is just a digital thinking map. My favorite thinking map is the cause and effect because I think that it is useful for social studies. I think that thinking maps are all useful and it just depends on the subject or takeaway of the lesson. My observations have been ok. The class is project based, which I love, but my hosting teacher lets a lot of slacking off occur. I just don't think I could adapt such laziness in my class. I like some of the stuff she is doing, but their could be more teacher instruction. I am looking forward to teaching my first formal lesson on Tuesday. I too am nervous to be watch by my adult peers. I keep telling myself to not focus on the adults and focus on helping the students and keeping them on task. I think if I keep busy I will forget I am being watched.
ReplyDeleteShout out for your lesson.
ReplyDeleteLoved the YouTube video. It really taps in to how music can promote learning.
Great lesson with the Continents and the video was a great way to engage the group. I will have that little rap stuck in my head as well. In addition, I think you did a great job in breaking down complex material to elementary. You did an amazing job translating those concepts to a young audience!
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