Numeric & Scientific Literacy
One of the main focuses on this practicum was to focus on math and literacy lessons. The school I was at used a math book to do math, so I worked hard to find a way that would allow the students to get their work done but with adding some hands on, fun ways to learn their math.
Some of the math lessons the students did was:
-using road number lines and cars to practice their addition, students would begin at one number and drive their car so many spots forward to solve an addition equation
-Using golf fish to add how many fish in total they had between the two fish tanks, students were given an addition equation such as 2+3 and would put 2 goldfish in one tank and then 3 in the other and count the total number of fish to get their answer
-math machines that allows them to physically see the process of addition, students used two different coloured blocks to represent the two numbers in the addition equation and would put them through the cups and count the total in the bottom to get their answer
-play-dough shapes that allows them to practice their shapes
For math in my second practicum in Grade 6, I stepped away from the math textbook and decided to do a project based math project. Students designed their taco truck businesses starting with the name, design, logo, and advertising plan. Next students created a menu and made prices for each of the items. We then did an ordering day in which students went to other students taco trucks and would order their meal and the students would have to add up the total. Lastly, students used perimeter and area to build 3D models of their taco truck including the inside furniture used nets. The students loved this project and were excited to work on it every day during math.
Collaboration & Teamwork
The students were learning about kindness this week. We began the lesson by reading a book about how kindness grows when we are kind to one another. The class then worked as a team to search for the hidden leaves with acts of kindness on them to add leaves to our class kindness tree. Students worked together and helped eachother read what the leaves said and how it is kind.
Creativity and Innovation
During practicum 490 I knew I wanted to try some art lessons. I was teaching grade 6 and knew I could do something fun and challenging. I began to think about a project that we could work on throughout my time there that the students would be excited about. My older sister had said one of her favourite projects she ever did was paper cache masks when she was in grade 6. I was slightly nervous to take on such a challenge but figured I my swell try now with the help of my coaching teacher. This project turned out better than I could’ve imagined and the kids were so creative and had so much fun doing it. I felt I was able to help creatively with ideas and enjoyed seeing each students mask come together, showing each of their unique personalities.
Communication
In practicum 490 I had two students who were on the autism spectrum. These students were brothers and often had difficulty focusing or communicating their thoughts how they wanted to. This was a knew challenge for me as I had to work on my own communication skills, in order to, properly communicate with these students. I realized I needed to be very clear with my instructions and also right down important things on the board. In addition, I kept a visual schedule on the board for every lessons so these students could continue to be reminded to what task they were to be doing. I would often have extra conversations with these students and always ensured I made eye contact and gave them enough time to get their thoughts across to me. Using good communication allowed for us to work together throughout my practicum and ensure that my lessons were created and taught in a way that everyone could be successful.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is a competency that is used everyday almost every second throughout the day in teaching. I felt that I was constantly thinking on my toes and making hundreds of decisions throughout the day without even realizing it. As a teacher we answer questions throughout the day, help make discussions for students, change lessons on the fly. I personally feel, critical thinking is a competency that one needs to teach or else is may be nearly impossible. We must constantly think about how are lessons align with the curriculum, big ideas, content and competencies. For me, throughout my 490 practicum I found I was often having to think critically about how to deal with arguments and disagreements amongst my grade 6 classroom. This was the first time I had to deal with arguments and I was constantly trying to think critically about how best to deal with the given situation.