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Ashley Sims P.S.

81, Bronx, New York

Observation #1 Science/Life Cycle of a Frog

February 12, 2014 Co-op Tr. Ms. Anne M. Finlan

Ms. Sims taught a science lesson to a whole class of grade one ICT students (24) at Public School 81, Bronx. New York. Recently science work about the life cycle of a butterfly was taught. The lesson began with a teacher driven question about frogs and a picture of a frog. Some partner talk followed. Then four facts were shared by the students and recorded on the SmartBoard by Ms. Sims. Next, a video of the life cycle of a frog was shown and discussed. Independent work included four differentiated worksheets for low, medium and high performers as well as one for speech and language impairment students. Ashley and the two classroom teacher supervised the students as they worked. A short verbal review was done at the end of the lesson so that the Korean language teacher could begin her teaching program. Many strong teaching techniques were included in this lesson. Planning The video was previewed and adapted in length and content material for first grade learners. A different life cycle was studied by the students a week or so ago. This lesson followed a similar format so that the students could build on a prior learning experience. Communication The instructional materials, video, SmartBoard displays and worksheets were well presented. Clearly printed and well balanced formats made the worksheets easy to use. Ms. Sims appeared comfortable teaching the students. Her voice was clear and loud. She had strong name recognition and eye contact with the students. Instructional Skills Ashley presented the content material at a good pace by addressing her audience as she spoke. She aided students in answering questions or volunteering information with verbal clues and physical movements. Children manipulated the SmartBoard to present their knowledge and answers. She included the students in the discussion, question/ answer session after the video by using an established classroom selection process. The four performance levels were beneficial for each targeted group of students.

The inclusion of two additional teachers guaranteed that the students worked at a pace that resulted with completed, accurate work. Classroom Management Ms. Sims used established classroom routines for transitioning students from one part of the room to the other. Appropriate behavior was reviewed at the beginning of the lesson. Ashley was alert to the personalities and ability levels of the students so she adjusted seating assignments as needed.

There is one suggestion for strengthening this lesson. Planning Science lessons should be reinforced with follow-up related learning experiences. There are many good non-fiction and fiction books related to frogs. Videos about frogs and addition instructional materials may be available from the science teacher. A trip to a pet store might result in a frog as a classroom pet. These types of experiences will provide students with additional information and thereby develop a better understanding of the topic.

Ms. Sims lesson has demonstrated her ability to plan and implement a quality lesson for young learners. She displayed her skill with computer generated lessons. Ashley was aware of each students personality and achievement level so she prepared instructional material that aided each student to learn. This was a very successful lesson. Well done!!

Julien M. Kern, Adj. Prof.

EDUG 858

Manhattan College

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