Strengths of a Lesson

One lesson that I teach often is identifying the characteristics of the three types of rocks. In this lesson, the students begin with an example of each type of rock. They are required to work with a group in order to compare and contrast the rocks. Then, we come back together as a whole class and share the comparisons. Next, the students work together in order to create a way to categorize and classify their rocks. Again, we come back together and share their thoughts. Next, I explain to the class how rocks are classified and why. Lastly, they need to read a text about rocks with their groups and take notes. I will either wrap up or begin the next lesson with a BrainPop about rocks. This is a short 2 minute video that the students find engaging. I found that there where many things that I did often on the Assessment Checklist. Most of these items came under the First and Last Indicators: Joint Productive Activity and Instructional Conversation, so are obviously strengths of mine.

Culturally Responsive Teaching

There are many ways that I can implement the CREDE standards and characteristics into my classroom. I often have students working together in groups because I feel that each child can bring something different to their groups. I think that one aspect of the CREDE standards that I could really work on is developing literacy and language skills across curriculum. In the CREDE video, it was stated that language must be used and modeled. It also stated that 92% of school time was filled with teacher talk and only 8% was student talk. That really doesn't give the students a lot of time to use language. One way I could implement the 5 R's and 1 T into the classroom is being more resourceful. I definitely need to tap into the families more and allow them to bring in pieces of their culture to the classroom as well.