Click Fantastic Figurative Language to view me demonstrating how I am reflective.

During Block IV, the internship, I taught Fantastic Figurative Language.  This was an in-depth study on idioms, hyperboles, metaphors, similes, and refrains.  Before I even started planning this lesson I reflected back on what I knew and how I was taught some of these writing elements.  I reflected and planned how I could teach it differently to fifth graders.  I wanted the lesson to be fun and interesting, but still allowing students to walk away retaining the information.

I really enjoyed planning and teaching this lesson on figurative language.  My students were intrigued, interested, and focused throughout the lesson.  Before the lesson was even down on paper I had begun reflecting.  I reflected after I taught it to my am group and then thought of ways I could have made it better, adjustments, etc.  Later, when my pm group came in I was prepared to make these adaptations because of reflecting.  Reflecting allowed me to think actively about practice in order to improve my teaching and facilitate student learning.

Click States of H2O to view how I am reflective.

During Block III, at Sharp Creek Elementary, I planned and taught a lesson on the different states of water.  It was a hands on experiment conducted by the teacher.  After I taught my lesson on the states of water, I reflected on how I could make the lesson better, things I liked, things I did not like, what I would do differently, and things I would keep the same.  By reflecting, it allowed me to improve my teaching skills and student learning.  If I had not reflected I may not have thought of anyway ways to improve the lesson, and by improving the lesson I am fostering personal growth along with critical thinking skills. 

Click Investigating Insects to view me demonstrating reflective.

I taught Investigating Insects during Block I while being placed at H. A. Jones Elementary.  Students investigated and recreated the stages an insect goes through.  Students used tissue paper, paper mache, and newspaper to create the life cycle of an insect.  This lesson shows that I am reflective because, I reflected on my lesson and came up with ways to enhance learning.  I thought of different ways/activities to help build stronger understanding of the subject.  I learned skills and utilized tools that helped and improved student learning.  I also learned things that did not foster learning.  I took those into consideration and reflected on them.  Reflecting helped me see things I could do differently if I were to teach the lesson again.