Monitoring my GAME Plan
So far, I feel that I have been very lucky. Both of my plans seem to be moving along smoothly. I have been able to find the information and resources that I need to move forward. I have started to include my sources of information in my lesson plans and have exposed my students to two lessons about citing sources of information. I feel that my students have responded positively and understand the importance of citing sources. I have also been able to use an EBook with one class of 4th graders. The students enjoyed it and are excited to be able to access them at home as well. I have not needed to modify my plans thus far and hope that it continues that way.
I feel that I have learned a lot through my progress. I have found that having a colleague look over lesson plans to help monitor my progress has been very valuable. It is great to get someone else’s perspective on how I plan. Also, I have noticed that it does take a bit longer when writing/planning my lessons when I include the sources. It is a good thing though, because I keep my lesson plans on a data drive and that means I will always have those sources documented to refer to. There have been many times that I have used web sites for lessons and have forgotten where to find them.
Finally, I have thoroughly enjoyed documenting my progress in my journal. It is all too often that I come home after a long day and see nothing but a blur. I have formed a routine to write in my journal after lunch and right before I leave school. Then, I have something to look back at when I am at home. At home, I can write new ideas and responses to things I wrote earlier. It is kind of like having conversation with myself and it really does help!
Your progress is so inspiring! As educators, we often do not get a chance to sit down and reflect on what we are doing and how effective (or noneffective) we are in the classroom. You said it best that when we get home, the day is often a blur. It is good that you take time when things are fresh on the mind. It's okay that you are "talking to yourself;" it's for the children!
ReplyDeleteDavid to Dawn
ReplyDeleteI am also working on implementing proper citations in my lesson plans and presentations for students. As you said, it is convenient to be able to find the information or website you previously used, I have also gone back to older resources and updated them. By staying on top of our own resources and keeping them properly cited strongly supports our future lessons and continually models to students the importance of giving credit to the creator. To keep the students engaged in the citing process you can have an ongoing game that allows students to point out whenever they see a cited source being displayed. They can be rewarded any way you see fit and further ingrains the importance of citations.
David
Thanks Valeria and David! Your comments are always appreciated!
ReplyDeleteDawn,
ReplyDeleteI think reflection is a process that all teachers should participate in. I know personally I do not do enough of it. I often have trouble finding the time to do so. However, I think that much can be learned and improved upon if reflection takes place. Journaling is a great way to keep track of your reflections. I also like your idea of collaborating with a fellow teacher for your lesson planning. I do not know of any other teachers in my district that does this. You sound like you are having much success with your GAME Plan, keep it up!