For my placement I am placed in a first grade classroom
Andrea Roos
C&I 332
Field Experience Write-Up #1 Oct. 3, 2003
For my placement I am placed in a first grade classroom. I taught a lesson concerning the section of the standards that deals with numbers and operations. Accordingly, my lesson dealt with the standard, “Understanding meanings of operations and how they relate to each other.” The lesson I taught to my students was a game. The game the students played helped them understand various meanings of addition and subtraction of whole numbers and the relationship between the two operations. The game also helped the students understand the effects of adding and subtracting whole numbers. The process standards the lesson addressed included problem solving. Problem solving was used in the sense that the students were able to build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving, and learned how to solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts. Problem solving is finding a way to reach a goal that is not easily attainable.
The lesson I taught was a game. The class was divided into small groups of two. Then each pair was given a little tub of pennies. One student was player one and the other was player two. The students were given a worksheet to fill out while they played the game. Player one would take a handful of pennies and write that number on the sheet. Then player two would take a handful of pennies and write his or her amount on the sheet. Next the two students would take their numbers and add them together and write it down. When the students came across the subtraction part of the sheet the second player would take away some pennies away from player one’s pile instead of picking his or her own. This process would continue until the students finished the game. Overall, the game helped the students learn the standards mentioned above.
My expectations while planning the lesson were high. Expectations are something that can always change through the course of a lesson. When I first looked at my lesson I thought it would be something the students would really enjoy and something they would find engaging. I thought the students would be able to pick up on the lesson after a few demonstrations. However, when some of the students began the lesson they struggled. I thought the lesson might be a little challenging for the students although, I under estimated how tough it was for some of the students. Therefore, we finished the set amount of time we had for the lesson and not all of the students had completed the worksheet. However, my cooperating teacher and I decided we would give those students more time the next day to work on the game.
A majority of the students in my classroom were engaged in the lesson. The students who found the game exciting were really involved and liked playing with a partner. On the other hand, the students who were challenged by the game had more trouble staying on task. This was a new lesson for the students so they were excited to learn how to play. I believe most of the students liked playing the game and were thoroughly engaged throughout the lesson.
The students did understand the material presented in the lesson. The material that was included in the game is something the students have been working since the first day of school. Although, some students have not mastered all the skills needed. The students should have been able to grasp the information presented in the game because it was information that my cooperating teacher has covered through the course of the semester. The major goal I had for the students was that they learn a math game they could play on their own in the classroom when there was extra time. I believe I met my goal because a majority of the students learned how to play the game and were enthusiastic about it. I believe in the future the students will take the time to play the game when time is available. I know the students met the goal I had for the lesson because nearly all of the students were able to complete the worksheet I had made for the lesson. I enjoyed watching the students play the game I had taught. It was exciting to know a good number of the students understood my lesson.
Overall, I believe the lesson went really well. In particular the introduction to the game went well. I had all the students meet me at the carpet and form a family circle. The students were quiet and attentive while I explained the game. Secondly, I think dividing the students into pairs went well too. I had paired them off before and this way the students interacted with people they might have not worked with and they did a nice job. The students did a nice job of working together and helping each other when one did not understand. One thing I might change about the lesson is to make a modification for those students who were not as advanced as most of the class. Perhaps, next time I could pair those students with someone who is more skilled. Also, if I were to teach this lesson again I would try to set aside more time for the students to complete the worksheet.
There are a few issues that I encountered that I would like suggestions on handling in the future. One thing I encountered is the different level of ability in the classroom. All but two pairs of students were able to conquer the lesson and have fun while doing. However, two groups of students struggled because they were not as strong academically. How does a teacher master teaching students at all different levels, is something I would like suggestions on.
Altogether, I really enjoyed teaching this lesson to my first graders and I believe they enjoyed themselves as well. I was sincerely happy with the lesson and the students’ engagement. The students and I had a good time. I feel they have found an educational game they will play in their free time. And I am excited to teach future math lessons.
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