Instruction: Learning Outcome 1

I have demonstrated proficiency in working with teachers and other members of the school community to develop engaging lessons using instructional strategies that address students’ various approaches to learning as well as their interests, abilities, and needs by working with Ms. Lanier for first grade curriculum based on a unit of study about exploring the sun and moon and their patterns.

Description

Over several weeks I worked alongside Ms. Lanier, to create and teach a collaborative unit plan.  Ms. Lanier teaches first grade at Blacksburg Primary School.  She has been teaching for over sixteen years, so she had a lot of great advice to share.  Together we worked on a unit that she was going to be using in her classroom. The unit was on exploring the sun and moon and their patterns. She would show me what she was going to be presenting in class and I would build lessons on the same themes but would include literacy elements into the lessons.  Some of those elements included learning about research and features in non-fiction books. In collaborating with Ms. Lanier, it would offer a more in-depth opportunity for students to learn not only the information from the lesson, but also tools they can use to further research topics.

Analysis

            Overall, the lesson went as planned and the students did gain knowledge from us working together.  There were some aspects in the lesson that can be revised in the future, mostly relating to time constraints.  There was also an introduction to a new online tool, that will need to be elaborated on more so that the students will understand our expectations and how to use the tool.  This was my first experience in the classroom teaching, so I also learned very quickly how important classroom management is when trying to get through a lesson.  The students were very receptive and did all that we ask them to do and at the end of the unit all of the students passed their assessments. They also showed a lot of interest in learning more about research skills and how to find things in databases.

Reflection

            Working with Ms. Lanier was an amazing experience.  I was able to take away a lot of new ideas and ways to work with students from all abilities. She was able to tap into some of the hardest students in the class and get them to pay attention and get excited about what she was showing them.  It was also a valuable opportunity to be able to learn that sometimes things don’t go as planned and you must revamp your plans to make sure all students are following along.  I learned that collaboration is an essential part of being a librarian and enriching a student’s learning experience.  In the future I plan to work with teachers and other educators to make sure I am giving every opportunity can for students to be able to grow and learn.