I thought that the part of effective lessons was interesting and I was able to reflect on my teaching. I do state my objectives although I have found it somewhat tricky because I teach a lower grade. I often draw picture like math symbols or write the main idea rather than objectives because I find my students will read or look at them if they are short or eye catchy with pictures. I am still trying out different ways of stating objectives so that I can reach all students - even the ones that are unable to read.
I also practice the "I do, we do, you do" and find that it works well especially teaching something that they are not familiar with. Sometimes I find that the "we do" or guided practice is the strongest part of the lesson. I do think that I can be better at checking for understanding throughout a lesson, it is easier for me to do in some subjects, but I need to do a better job at checking more often.
Couldn't agree more with both of your points! I am also trying to find the best way to state our learning objectives in kid-friendly (first grade friendly) terms that are motivating and set a clear purpose.
ReplyDeleteGuided practice is also one of my favorite parts of lessons because that is when you often get those "light bulb" moments as students begin to understand what they're learning in an environment that gives them the support they may need.
We are going to be looking at kid friendly learning targets, I totally agree that it is hard to find a "simple" bridge between grown up language and kid understanding, but that is, as they say, the crux of the matter.
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