Journal 3 - Curriculum Planning and Instruction

Each teacher has their own way of planning lessons. Many new teachers are very particular and structured when they design their lesson plans. She has been teaching for many years. She does not need to thoroughly plan each lesson. Instead, she keeps her plans brief and simple. She uses her lesson plan book to plan out each quarter. There are five horizontal rows and four vertical rows on each page. Each horizontal row is used for a day; Monday through Friday. The two middle vertical rows are used for a brief description of the lesson. The two outer vertical rows are used for notes, schedule changes, and issues that need to be addressed that are not related to the lesson. I have attached a copy of her third quarter lesson plans.
She maintains a very structured classroom. Each lesson starts and ends the same. When dealing with a book the students are reading, She begins by reviewing prior and current reading. She explains the plans for the day, upcoming assignments, and due dates. Each lesson is very prepared and consistent. She balances how she is going to present something differently to each class period, based on personalities. For example, she had the students do a vocabulary worksheet. For classes that struggled to remain quiet and work independently, she told the students that whoever finished the assignment first, read the directions, did not ask questions, and got them all correct would get the choice of either a homework pass or a bathroom pass. This technique worked great. The students were quiet, focused, and successful. Even her special education students were able to complete the assignment on their own.
She has an inclusive classroom. Each student is expected to complete the same assignment with or without help. She has learned the individual differences of each student. She knows whether or not she needs to change how she approaches the lesson for each class period. If necessary, she adds incentives, allows more times or provides extra attention.
The activities that the students mostly engage in deal with reading. The majority of the hours I have observed were when the students were listening to chapters on Pod cast and then discussing them. She teaches reading and the language arts that are incorporated into reading. The bulk of the work done in her class is done independently. For example, every Tuesday is independent reading day. This allows the children to become self-sufficient and responsible. However, if the students have questions or need help with anything, she is always dependable.
As mentioned in previous journals, I would still greatly enjoy being a student in her class. Good grades are achievable and praised. Each student is able to learn life lessons and skills from being in her class. Due to her structured lessons, students are able to remain focused and dedicated. As a parent, I would be honored to have her teach my child. She truly has the student’s best interest at heart. She takes time to prepare lessons that are beneficial for each individual student. If my child were in her class, I would know they would be receiving the most fulfilling education and attention.