So, in my first year of classes, I was pretty intimidated by writing a lesson plan, let alone an entire unit! I find that each time it gets easier and my lessons seem to me more engaging. Sometimes when I waiver if they are 'cool' enough I bring one of my kids over and I ask, "Do you think you would enjoy doing this?" They are my best and honest critics. They have helped me tweak a few that they weren't too excited about what I had planned. I have one that really likes to draw, so she reminds me to include art in reading and writing. In this unit plan, I really wanted to incorporate a writer's workshop for third graders. The book I chose to read as a class and complete the workshop is "The One and Only Ivan".
Although I have a tendency to moan and groan starting out, I am able to incorporate a new strategy I want to use sometime in my future classroom. I really strive to make my lesson plans useable. Maybe not during student teaching next fall, but maybe in my own classroom someday. So, like the picture I chose, although I have to find my 'groove' I really do enjoy writing lesson plans because I learn more about a new strategy and myself. What is your inspiration for a unit plan beyond the standards?
Hi Niki, besides the standards, I used my son as inspiration for my unit. He was in 3rd grade last year and did a project similar to the Famous Missourian presentation in my unit, but he did not have to present. They just researched and wrote a biography, so I tweaked the lesson to how I would have done it.
ReplyDeleteI really try to make my lesson plans usable too, even if that means that they are not always super fun and exciting... some days you need to buckle down and get some work done!
I enjoy planning lessons, however, Time is my enemy. I spend too much time on non-essential things. I add too many visuals to my lesson plans. When I look online, they are bareboned. Nothing but typing and much briefer than any of mine. I am working on, less is more!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had children to use as critics and inspiration! My mom is a retired teacher and I do bounce ideas off of her, though. This year I have been volunteering in the class that I will be student teaching in in the fall. I have drawn ideas for quite a few lesson plans from that class and am hoping that some of them will be usable during student teaching since I know they are ideas that she has taught in the past.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely agree that our school-age children are a huge resource and inspiration. They are willing to be honest and open about what would get them excited and really teach them in a lesson. I pick my son's brain often when I am unsure how to really help a lesson stick and engage students. And once in a while, I run ideas past my husband because he has subbed elementary and is teaching high school. I also have a sister who has lots of teaching experience. I am grateful.
ReplyDelete