COPYRIGHT © 2008 Katherine E. LordALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Student Teaching Portfolio

Winchester Thurston School: Grade 5

September – November 2008

Kate Lord

COPYRIGHT © 2008 Katherine E. LordALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CONTENTS:

•Part One: Persuasive Essay Lesson

•Part Two: Advanced Reading Group

•Part Three: Divisibility Lesson

INTRODUCTION

Toward the end of my student teaching, I was invited to compose a Language Arts lesson and was given the freedom to select a topic of my choice. Throughout my experience at Winchester, I was exposed many times to the school’s motto:

“Think also of the comforts and rights of others”.

Inspired by this phrase, I created a lesson that introduced the procedures of the five paragraph persuasive essay and implemented a mock scholarship contest.

Going beyond the objectives listed in the lesson plan, a main goal was to bring the student’s attention to the actions of their peers and also bring awareness to their own actions as they were consciously being observed by others.

Language ArtsThe Persuasive Essay

PERSUASIVE ESSAY WRITINGThe “Caught Being Good” Scholarship Contest Taught by Kate LordNovember 10th through 14th, 2008  RATIONALE The purpose of this unit is to introduce the all attributes of 5 paragraph persuasive essay including, terms, writing process, and purpose. OBJECTIVESKnowledge- Recall terms associated with the persuasive essay Comprehension- Classify a statement to be fact or opinion and determines under which supporting topic the statement should go. Application- Constructs a 5 paragraph essay using all writing tools, as explained in class.  Create- Expresses fact successfully within the 5 paragraph essay using detailed examples and transitional phrases. MATERIALS The “Persuasive Essay” handout, “Bridging the Gap” handout, “Tree Diagram” worksheet, “Graphic Organizer” worksheet, “Caught Being Good” assignment slip, Essay Rubric, Scholarship and “You’ve been Spotted” certificates.

Language ArtsLESSON PLAN

PROCEDURE

Motivational Activity: To begin, introduce the new unit to the class by defining the word persuasive. Explain that we will be talking about how to write a 5 paragraph persuasive essay. Sequence of instruction (will span 3 days): Begin day one, by reading aloud the persuasive writing handout (see attached). Students should highlight important terms and points for later reference. Briefly go over the “Bridging the Gap” hand out (see attached) and transitional phrases when appropriate. Once the students are familiar with the concept, introduce the assignment (see attached). Inspired by the school’s motto, students will choose a classmate whom the feel “thinks also of the comforts and right of others”. Students will compose a persuasive essay about this outstanding peer. A “scholarship” of chance coupons will be awarded at the close of the unit. As a class, discuss the procedure of the tree-diagram (see attached). Students will use this to organize their thoughts in the early stages of writing. Once students understand, allow them to work individually with the tree diagram, brainstorming ideas about their candidate. Instructor should observe and field any questions at this time.

 

On day 2, introduce how to use the graphic organizer (see attached) with the class. The purpose of this diagram is to prepare the students to write in paragraphs as they expand their thoughts into sentences. Once students understand, allow them to work individually with the graphic organizer, building upon their initial ideas from the tree diagram. Instructor should observe and field any questions at this time. Packets should be collected at the end of the period and checked for understanding. On day 3, Students who are clear about the process thus far, may handwrite a rough draft in their writing journal and then type a final draft. No proof reading is necessary. Those who need clarification can be conferenced with before they proceed with drafting their essay. As essays are graded, keep a tally for those who were written about. (Scholarships are awarded for the student(s) with the highest grade and for the student(s) most written about).

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Take advantage of opportunities to review terms and ask questions. “What should we include in a closing paragraph?”, “Who can give an example of a fact?”, etc. Observe independent work and intervene as necessary- encourage other students to answer the questions of their peers. Before students begin to draft their essay, collect packets to read over each student’s progress and comment or conference as necessary. ASSESSMENT

Essays will be graded using the attached rubric. Scoring is based upon the brainstorming process and inclusion of specific attributes of a 5 paragraph essay as discussed in class. CLOSING

Once the essays are graded, take time to award students in front of their classmates using the attached certificates. To encourage discussion and boost self-esteem, the “you’ve bee spotted” certificate can also be used for those who were written about at least once.

 

OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENTIATION

Extra Help: Encourage students to ask questions. Students can be assisted individually as necessary. Advancement: Students in need of more of a challenge can edit their composition with a goal to utilize more advanced or creative vocabulary. Physical challenge: In the future, if motor skills are affected, this particular student’s brainstorming can be dictated to the instructor or another student to be written down in the graphic organizer. This student may also compose their final draft using a method that is more favorable to the student. NATIONAL STANDARDS NL-ENG.K-12.12 APPLYING LANGUAGE SKILLS Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

NL-ENG.K-12.4 COMMUNICATION SKILLSStudents adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes

  PA STATE STANDARDS 1.6.5. GRADE 5 D.

Due to the student’s unfamiliarity in persuasive writing, preparation was extensive. I knew that in order for their final essays to be a success, we would need to spend ample time covering the material as a class.

The information you are about to see, was organized into packets for each student . I was careful not to reveal too much at the beginning as I did not want the size of the project to overwhelm them.

As we read over the research , I instructed the students to highlight noteworthy information. In addition, the pace of the unit was based on the students comprehension of the material during which, I answered questions throughout and made myself available for individual conferencing.

Language ArtsLESSON MATERIALS

THE PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Persuasive writing attempts to convince the reader that the point of view or course of action recommended by the writer is valid. To accomplish this, the writer must determine their position and support their stance with strong facts and examples. The persuasive essay is five paragraphs in length and is organized in a particular way; as I will explain.

First, think through your position. Clearly define it. Compose a strong “topic sentence” that will begin your essay and declare your position. This sentence should be fact based and should not be based on opinions or emotions.

On a separate sheet of paper, brainstorm ideas that support your feelings about the topic. Highlight the three that you feel are the strongest. These will become your “supporting topics”. Each of these will be the focus of a paragraph in your essay.

Just as you did before, make a new brainstorming list for each of your supporting topics. Again, highlight the three that are the strongest. These are your “supporting ideas” and will be used to defend your stance.

Think about how you are going to end the essay. What effective way can you clarify your stated position? How can you clearly summarize the supporting ideas? Write down these ideas to form your “closing paragraph”. Do not introduce any new points at this time.

 

TIPS TO SUCCESS:

•Take time to formulate the sentences and organize ideas. If the reader loses the logic of you position, you have lost the advantage in a persuasive essay.

•Be sure to vary sentence structures so that the essay is not one long list of reasons.

•Be sure that the supporting paragraphs explain your ideas. Giving examples is a good technique of support.

•Do not resort to name-calling. This is never effective.

•To promote understanding, be sure that there are transitions between paragraphs. Look to your “Bridging the Gap” handout for ways to use transitional phrases.

•Go back and reread the essay when you are finished. Try to think of it through the eyes of someone who takes the opposite position. Make any changes necessary.

•Be sure that there are no spelling, punctuation, capitalization, tense, or other errors that could distract the reader away from the strength of your position.

BRIDGING THE GAP

How transitional phrases can help make the connection

Using transitional words and phrases can help papers read more smoothly.  They provide logical organization, understandability, and improve the connections between thoughts. Transition words indicate relationships, whether within a sentence, paragraph, or paper. This list illustrates "relationships" between ideas, followed by words and phrases that can connect them. In your writing, consider using some of the words or phrases listed below, to help blend your thoughts into sentences and your sentences into well written paragraphs.

To put two thoughts into one sentence: also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly For demonstrating the results of action: accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore For making broad statements: as a rule, as usual, for the most part, generally, generally speaking, ordinarily, usually

 

 Used when giving an example to support a thought: chiefly, especially, for instance, in particular, markedly, namely, particularly, including, specifically, such as, for example, for instance, for one thing, as an illustration, illustrated with, as an example, in this case To demonstrate an important point: above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly For making well, exceptions: aside from, barring, besides, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside of, save Used when rephrasing a sentence or summarizing a paragraph: in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently For comparing and contrasting thoughts or scenarios: contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast To wrap up a paragraph or paper: after all, all in all, all things considered, briefly, by and large, in any case, in any event, in brief, in conclusion, on the whole, in short, in summary, in the final analysis, in the long run, on balance, to sum up, to summarize, finally

ASSIGNMENT

The “Caught being good” Chance Coupon Scholarship*

Winchester’s school motto is:

Think also of the comforts and rights of others.

Among your 5th grade classmates, who best represents the lower school in this way and why?

*The chance coupon scholarship will be awarded to the highest graded essay based on the rubric provided.

 Rough Draft Due: Friday, November 7th

Final Draft Due: Monday November 10th

The following diagram was used in the early brainstorming stages. Its purpose was to organize the students thoughts and visually demonstrate how each point was connected.

 

TREE DIAGRAM

Organize Your Thoughts and Plot Key Essay Points

TERMS:

Topic Sentence/ Opening Paragraph: Your topic sentence will reveal your position in a fact based statement. The remainder of this paragraph will include your three supporting topics, thus, supporting your stance.

Supporting Topics: Together, three supporting topics create the body of your opening paragraph. Individually, each one becomes the topic sentence for its own paragraph.

Supporting Ideas: Each supporting topic paragraph should be defended by three supporting ideas. Supporting ideas are your “soldiers” within your argument therefore, before you begin writing, make a list of all ideas and choose your strongest points. They are spread throughout your essay to defend your stance.

Closing paragraph: Your closing paragraph is a time to summarize and restate your thoughts, putting an emphasis on important points. Your closing paragraph is not a place to introduce new ideas.

After completing the Tree Diagram, students were encouraged to transfer their ideas onto this graphic organizer. The purpose was to prepare them for writing paragraphs and help them visualize the role of the transitional phrase.

 

Graphic Organizer: page 1

Graphic organizer: page 2

 

Graphic organizer: page 3

I felt that it was important to recognize students who were written about. As I was grading their finished work, I recorded each student who became the subject of their peer’s essay.

It was interesting that during the process, the students became very private about who they had chosen to write about. To save anyone the embarrassment of sharing what they felt was private, I decided to spark conversation amongst them. I made sure that each student ,who was written about at least once, received the following certificate:

Naturally, each was curious about who had written about them and I encouraged them to ask around and find out. It was my hope that they would share with each other what they wanted to and on their own terms.

 

During a short 20 minute period on the last day of my placement, I revealed the winners of the scholarship. Four students received certificates for their high scores and two students were recognized for “thinking also of the comforts and rights of others”.

The certificates were signed by my self and my two cooperating teachers, Kay Simon and Brian Swauger. I called the students up one by one to receive a certificate and 25 chance coupons as their classmates and teachers applauded their efforts.

In creating the assignment portion, I was curious to see if the students would take the question I was asking to heart or if they would simply write about their friends.

At this time, I was keen as to who was friends with whom and was pleased with the outcome. Many gave my provocation some serious thought and wrote about someone unexpected.

I enjoyed reading what the students had to say about their peers and believe that the writing prompt made a significant impact on the students as a community.

Language ArtsSTUDENT WORK

The author of the following essay received a certificate for highest score. After seeing this student struggle in many subjects, I was proud to recognize her achievement.

I hope that though this experience, she attained the encouragement to keep trying her best.

When I first approached Kay , my cooperating teacher, about my intentions to teach a persuasive essay unit, she guided me in the brainstorming process with suggestions.

As the unit closed, It was clear that the lesson that I had created surpassed her expectations and did more than instruct the students “how to…”

To accompany this lesson, Mrs. Simon chose to write an observation.

Language ArtsOBSERVATION

Observation: page 1

 

Observation: page 2

Observation: page 3

 

Observation: page 4

Observation: page 5

INTRODUCTION

At the start of my placement, the 5th grade began reading The Puppeteer’s Apprentice by D. Anne Love. After a few chapters, the abilities of the students revealed the need to divide the class into two groups.

Confident in my teaching ability, Kay approached me about leading an advanced reading group for those who were able to cover the material at a quicker pace.

For the remainder of the book, I led a group of 7 students for whom I prepared supplementary lessons to enhance the existing material. Such a responsibility went with little supervision as I demonstrated the qualities and characteristics necessary for the task.

Language ArtsThe Puppeteer’s Apprentice

The Puppeteer’s Apprentice by D. Anne LoveAdapted for Advanced Reading Group  Taught by Kate LordOctober 2nd through October 29th, 2008  RATIONALE The purpose of this unit is to practice reading skills, comprehension, and expand vocabulary as well as explore such advanced creative writing processes such as character design and post-editing.  OBJECTIVESKnowledge- Recall vocabulary definitions and events as they occurred in the reading Comprehension- Explain particular events as they occurred in the chapter Application- Participate in class read-aloud, vocabulary, and chapter question activities Create- Compose sentences using newly acquired vocabulary terms. Design a character sketch base on the book description. Re-write a portion of the story in the form of a “lost chapter” MATERIALS The Puppeteer’s Apprentice by D. Anne Love, Puppeteer’s Apprentice workbook, pen/pencil, highlighter, homework journal.

Language ArtsLESSON PLAN

PROCEDURE (Begins a new chapter)

Motivational Activity: Discuss necessary vocabulary words for the upcoming chapter by reading the word and definitions (see example handout) in class. Defining the word with examples should be done at this time. Continue to reinforce vocabulary by playing “Around the Word” (see game rules). Sequence of Instruction: Once these activities are complete, read the chapter aloud in class. Students should take turns reading. Allow them to read as little or as much as they like-with some guidelines- seems to take the pressure off of those that are uncomfortable.  CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

During the read aloud, ask questions to challenge thinking or spark reflection and clarify unusual phrasing such as old English terms or metaphors.  ASSESSMENT

When the chapter is completed, the students should independently answer the chapter questions that were read at the beginning of the chapter. For this advanced group, have the students write down a page number that corresponds with their answer. These questions will be collected and checked for comprehensive understanding of the chapter.

 

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES

Character Design: The purpose of this activity is to encourage students to use the literature as a resource to defend their thinking and can occur at any time during the reading. Students will choose a character from the book to design and quote passages to support their decisions.

The Lost Chapter: The purpose of this activity is to encourage critical thinking and support and advanced level of comprehension and should occur upon completion of the book. Students will select a chapter of the book that they wish to change. In addition, students will express how their changes would impact the rest of the book. OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENTIATION

Extra Help: Allow the students to have their vocabulary definitions out while playing the game. Students should go back to re-answer chapter questions that they answered incorrectly. Advancement: Have the students experiment with including emotion and different voices as they read. Chapter questions and vocabulary can be adapted to be more challenging. Physical challenge: If motor skills are affected, vocabulary and question exercises can be adapted to be more discussion based. The vocabulary game will also support this student in this way. If eyesight is affected, photocopy the chapters and workbook to enlarge the font.

NATIONAL STANDARDS

NL-ENG.K-12.1: READING FOR PERSPECTIVE Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works. NL-ENG.K-12.12: APPLYING LANGUAGE SKILLS Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information). PA STATE STANDARDS 1.1.5. GRADE 5 C.  1.1.5. GRADE 5 F.  

1.1.5. GRADE 5 G.   1.1.5. GRADE 5 H. 1.6.5. GRADE 5 D

 AROUND THE WORD

How to Play Sit in a circle. Student may keep their vocabulary definitions in front of them- or, for more of a challenge, tell the students to put everything away.  Begin with any student. Give this first student a vocabulary word and ask he/she to use it in a detailed sentence. When finished, ask the person to their left if they “agree” or “disagree” with the sentence. Encourage them to elaborate if the definition or usage is incorrect. 

If the student believes that the sentence is correct, then the second student is given a new word. Confirm that the response is correct and read the definition to the group.

 If the student feels that the sentence is incorrect, ask the student to re-use the word in a sentence. When finished, ask the student to their left if they agree or disagree, etc.

 Continue in this manner until all words are used. Point system: For a competitive edge, students may keep score. If the word is used correctly, add one point. If a word is used incorrectly, deduct one point. Extra practice: As the game is played, ask the students to highlight the vocabulary word if they use it incorrectly. They must use the word in a sentence for homework. Assessment: Homework sentences will be collected and checked for understanding. 

    

The following selections represent student work completed for the supplementary lessons that I composed for this advanced group.

In creating these lessons, my objective was to challenge the students in unique and interesting ways. I was concerned that the students would begin to feel that their abilities were a burden to them because it caused them to do additional work.

The experience was a success because I created an environment that they looked forward to. I allowed their mature behavior to influence our meetings by giving them more of a say as to what they wanted to get out of our time together. The students were excited to read and completed my assignments whole-heartedly.

Language ArtsSTUDENT WORK

CHARACTER DESIGN PROJECTFrom Book to Film    Dear Student, The book “The Puppeteer’s Apprentice” by D. Anne Love has become very popular with children your age. Due to this success, it has been adapted for the big screen! We would like to begin casting the parts of Mouse, Simon, and the Puppeteer as soon as possible and want your input. As you read the book, how did you imagine Mouse’s appearance? What did the Puppeteer or Simon look like? Are there other characters from the book that we should consider including in the film? Please submit your drawings for consideration so we can continue to produce this next blockbuster! And remember, details, details, details!   Sincerely, Steven Spielberg

 

After asking this student for “more effort” on many assignments, I was proud to see the many passages that the had copied and highlighted to accompany his sketch.

CLOSING PROJECT

The Lost Chapter

Now that we have finished the book, you are aware of all of the twists and turns within the story. In your opinion, is there anything that you would have done differently if you were the author? For this final project, you will choose a point in the story that you would like to change and compose a lost chapter. Remember that any changes that you make will affect the rest of the book. How much will your chapter change the book? Will the ending be the same or different?  

Brainstorming… Step One: Chose the chapter that you would like to re-interpret. In the space below, briefly explain what happens in the chapter and what you would have done differently._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 

Step Two: Briefly explain what events occur in the chapter before? How will your changes affect the preceding chapter?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Step Three: Briefly explain what events occur in the chapter immediately after. How will your changes affect the following chapter?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Step Four: Briefly explain how your changes will affect the rest of the book.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Step Five: Now you are ready to compose your lost chapter. Remember to include the chapter that you are changing and how it will affect the rest of the book. You composition should be typed and at least one page in length.

 

 

During the course of my Advanced Reading Group experience, I was observed by Sharon Schurman, my University Supervisor.

On this particular day, we had planned to play “Around the Word”, which was the vocabulary game that I had created. Sharon had an opportunity to see the rapport that I had formed with this group of students and the level of responsibility that I had taken on.

Once the lesson had concluded, we were able to meet for a few moments. As she handed me her observation, Sharon admitted with a smile, “I was struggling to find something to pick on.”

She complimented me several times before and after that day on the many qualities that she saw in me as a professional.

Language ArtsOBSERVATION

Observation: page 1

 

Observation: page 2

Observation: page 3

 

Observation: page 4

Observation:

 

Page 5

INTRODUCTION

Throughout my 5th grade placement, many of the relationships that I had with the students were strengthened through the Mathematics curriculum.

In general, Math was a challenging subject for the class as a whole and I took this as an opportunity to gain their trust, respect, and show the students that Math concepts can be represented in many different ways.

I have chosen to showcase this lesson as it represents how I am able to begin a lesson through the use of interesting and fun motivational activities. This lesson in particular, required a strong rapport with the students, which I had attained early in my placement with 5th Grade.

MathematicsDivisibility Lesson

DivisibilityPairs with Unit 4 Lesson 4 of Houghton Mifflin Taught by Kate LordOctober 2008 RATIONALEThe purpose of today’s lesson is to define divisibility and practice the “rules of divisibility”, emphasizing their importance. OBJECTIVESRemember- Identify the rules of divisibility Understand- Express the importance of divisibility and how it applies to real life

Apply- Demonstrate prior knowledge of number operations such as addition and multiplication. Analyze- Determine if any rules of divisibility apply to a given number.

Evaluate- Assess a number’s divisibility by a given factor using the rules given.  Create- Create ways to remember the rules without using a “hint card.” MATERIALSInstructional: 20 chance coupons and 30 “Divisibility Rules Hint Cards” (see attachment) to accommodate 15 students.Students: Textbooks, workbooks, pencil and paper.

MathematicsLESSON PLAN

PROCEDURE

Motivational Activity: To begin, announce to the class that they are going to play a game. Split the class up into two groups. (The goal is to demonstrate the importance of divisibility) Continue to form teams until one student remains. Explain to the students that it would be unfair to play a game with uneven teams. Since the “remainder” can’t be divided in two, we will play later. As the students return to their seats, tell the students that you have 20 chance coupons (this was their reward system). For “being good sports”, give each student 1 coupon and cut the remaining 5 coupons into 3 pieces. Give them out…if they want them.  Sequence of Instruction: After the coupons are distributed, write the situation out mathematically: 15 divided by 2 and 20 divided by 15. Instruct the students to open their books. Ask a student to read the definition for divisibility and factor from the book. Ask another student to rephrase the definition in their own words. Talk about it; ask questions to check for understanding.  Distribute the “Divisibility Rules Hint Cards” to the students. Call on students to read each rule aloud. Read the word problem that is given in the book. Encourage the students to solve the problem together using the rules. Prompt them with questions or clues as they go.  

Next, write the numbers: 725, 240, 536, 360, 382, and 590 in the board. Using the rules, eliminate numbers until only one is left. Ask the students to work together in their groups to solve this problem which is in their book. Come back together and solve the problem as a class.

CHECK FOR UNDESRSTANDING

•Ask questions and ask students to re-phrase definitions to check their level of understanding. Encourage students to explain their reasoning. • During the final exercise, walk around the room to observe their thinking and see their work. Answer questions at this time. •The homework assignment will be collected and checked. ASSESSMENT

At the end if the lesson, assign corresponding page 25 in their workbook CLOSURE

At the end if the lesson, return to the scenario that began the lesson. Ask students to determine how many teams we would have needed and how many chance coupons I should have had, using the divisibility rules. In addition, invite the class to create a way that they will remember the divisibility rules. 

OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENTIATION

Extra Help: Group work is utilized within this lesson to support those who learn best from their peers. Advancement: Some rules have a relationship to each other such as, 3 and 9. Give them the rule of 9 and ask if the number is divisible by 3. How do they know? Physical Challenge: At the beginning, the division of the class can be omitted, or the physically challenged students can be the remainder…depending on the student’s sensitivity.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY-

Fun divisibility game: http://www.oswego.org/ocsdweb/match/dragflip.asp?filename=slanedivrules Game matching divisibility rules with their factors: http://www.quia.com/mc/11125.html

 

NATIONAL STANDARDS

NM-NUM.3-5.2: Understand the effects of multiplying and dividing whole numbers; identify and use relationships between operations, such as division as the inverse of multiplication, to solve problems;  NM-PROB.PK-12.3: Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems; NM-PROB.CONN.PK-12.1: Recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas; 

PA STATE STANDARDS

2.4.5. GRADE 5 B.  

2.5.5. GRADE 5 E.  

2.5.5. GRADE 5 F.

During my experience with 5th grade, I had many opportunities to plan lessons using the Houghton Mifflin Mathematics curriculum. I often went beyond the suggestions of the textbook, utilizing various manipulatives and creating additional worksheets as needed to support the students.

My extra effort personalized the lesson, making connections with current events, school, and community.

As I collaborated with Mr. Swauger, the importance of making each lesson memorable was reinforced as he connected algebraic order of operations to a story about his “dear Aunt Sally”.

MathematicsLESSON MATERIALS

Lesson 4.4 taken from Houghton Mifflin Mathematics textbook Grade 5

For this particular lesson, one objective was to create a way for the students to memorize the rules of divisibility. I spent a bit of time researching creative limericks and phrases, but came to the conclusion that if we really wanted the students to own this information, they needed to learn it in their own way.

I created “hint cards” for the students on heavy cardstock. These cards could be kept on their desks or in their books in the early stages.

At the end of the lesson, part of their assignment was to create a way that they could remember the rules. They were invited to share their ideas with others as a way of supporting their peers.

The dynamics of the 5th graders often expressed need for differentiation in Mathematics. Brian Swauger and I collaborated throughout my experience, creating ways to meet the needs of every student.

Teaching strategies needed to remain flexible at all times to accommodate the students abilities. Lesson planning was not based on a time table, but rather the demonstrated comprehension of the material.

Their work sent a clear message of this understanding and often times conveyed a need for clarification. Mr. Swauger and I focused much of our lesson planning on responding to these needs.

MathematicsSTUDENT WORK

Houghton Mifflin Curriculum

Accompanying workbook: page 25

For this lesson, I was observed by Sharon Schurman, my University Supervisor. Once the lesson concluded, there was time for her to critique my teaching style.

I found it humorous that she was convinced along with the students that the game was unable to be played. I clarified (as I had at the end of class) that there was never really a game for that day. The “flop” was part of the introduction to the concept of divisibility and how it can be applied to a real life.

MathematicsOBSERVATION

Observation: page 1

Observation: page 2

Observation: page 3

Observation: page 4

Observation: page 5

COPYRIGHT © 2008 Katherine E. LordALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THANK YOU

Requests for further documentation or interview arrangements can be made by

contacting:

Kate Lord4601 Bayard Street Apt. 806

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-877-2530

kate.lord@live.com