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REFLECTION
What I learned about teaching/learning:
This lesson plan allowed me to understand firsthand the differentiation that takes place within a
classroom. I was able to see how my cooperating teacher grouped her students by their reading
level to create the most impactful reading groups for each individual learner. Because I was
working with the highest level of learners, my preparation allowed me to explore reading
materials that went beyond what lower level learners were covering in the classroom textbook.
By seeing how an outside source could fit cohesively into the curriculum covered by a textbook,
I was able to understand more fully the differentiation of curriculum sources and its association
and purpose to the differentiation of content for students. Such differentiation and diversity
opportunities for students within a classroom gives them a chance for success that would
otherwise be limited by only utilizing one instructional strategy or approach. Teachers must be
flexible and adjust their instruction to meet their students where they are in their education and
ensure the optimal learning environment is sought after.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator:
Preparing this lesson plan was a great way for me to practice my differentiation skills. By
working through materials in addition to the classroom textbook series, I was able to make
decisions regarding best practice for the learning styles of my students. I was able to see the
similarities and differences of multiple resources, and I was given the opportunity to choose
what would be most impactful for my targeted learning styles and student needs. Differentiation
has always been a concept I have understood and something I have strived to do while working
with children. Preparing and implementing this lesson plan have given me an even stronger
sense of the importance of understanding students and learning how to educate them in a way
that can be most impactful for them as individuals. As a teacher, I will continually strive to
understand my students and actively seek out best practice methods that will be tailored to their
individual learning needs. The goal of a good teacher should be to advance their students from
point A to point B. Improvement is key to success and differentiation is crucial for the completion
of this goal.
Think-aloud: When I read a book, I pause after a few pages or after reading a description of something to create a
picture in my mind of the information Ive just read. This helps me understand and enjoy reading the information in the
book. For example, when I read about the ice cream truck, its music, and the sweet taste of ice cream on a hot summer
day, I pictured myself standing at the truck and holding my delicious ice cream. I can almost taste it!
7. As students whisper read to themselves, remind them to look for words that describe the steps of
making ice cream. Also remind them to stop every few pages to visualize what is happening.
8. During reading answer any questions and monitor students to ensure they are visualizing and
focusing on their sequencing skills.
9. After reading introduce the visualize/sequence events worksheet. Read directions to students and
guide them through it using the book for help. Provide assistance as needed.
10. Ask students what they visualized best as they read and if it helped them to remember.
Think-aloud example: When I read Step 4, I could imagine myself holding that bag and shaking it all around,
perhaps even standing and dancing around a little. I could feel my arms getting tired and my hands getting cold!
12. Build phonics skills by discussing and completing long /e/ worksheet. Remind students that
sometimes letters combine and make one sound. Talk about ee and ea making the long /e/ sound.
13. Time permitting, have students also complete synonyms worksheet.
14. Time permitting, use discussion cards to review and discuss the story as a class.
Closure:
Read the 11 Quick Check questions as a class and have students answer individually.
After they finish, pose questions such as: How do you make a PB&J? Your favorite snack? Make sure to
use order words like first, next, then and last.
Differentiation
This group has already been differentiated because of reading abilities. I will be able to administer further
differentiation by assisting students as they encounter and review concepts and skills.
Materials and Resources
How to Make Ice Cream by Steven Accardi (a copy for each student)
Visualize/sequence, long /e/ vowel digraph, and synonyms worksheets (available online)
Discussion cards (available online)
Reading A-Z website: www.readinga-z.com
Classroom Management/Democratic Practices
Students will be respectful when the teacher or their peers are reading or sharing ideas about the text.
They will participate in discussion politely by letting each person speak and only talk when it is their turn.
Students will raise their hands to ask a question or be called on specifically by the teacher as to promote
fairness or manage poor behavior choices.
ASSESSMENT
Formative
Before the lesson
Summative