b. Strategically plans, implements, and evaluates instruction that assures that students meet or exceeds the mathematics content standards.

UDL Lesson Plan

What is this?
This is a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lesson plan implemented during my pre-session student teaching. The UDL lesson plan allows for teachers to plan and implement instructional strategies suitable for the diverse needs of students. I used the UDL template to plan a math lesson on the order of operations (PEMDAS) at the sixth-grade level.

Why did I choose this?
I chose this artifiact because it demonstrates my ability to plan and implement best practices during a math lesson. Although the lesson is very straightforward, I still utilized multiple styles of instruction in order to meet student needs. For example, in order to help students memorize PEMDAS, I first used whole-class instruction and drew on students' prior knowledge of the concept. I called on student volunteers to solve problems involving the order of operations. Students were also given an independent activity to demonstrate their skills individually. Using a variety of instructional strategies (direct instruction, student volunteers, and independent work) helped the students understand the concept of order of operations.

What did I learn?
After implementing numerous UDL lesson plans, I can say I more clearly realize that all students learn differently. I found that some thrived with whole-class activities, while others did better individually. Using a UDL lesson plan also helped me think ahead when planning my instructional activities. It reminded me to think about potential hurdles I may encounter during my lesson, as well as how t

Math Practices: Addition Algorithm Kahoot

What is this?
This is a copy of a Kahoot that I created during my full-time student teaching placement. It corresponds with the Bridges curriculum for math; I created it using exercises from a supplemental worksheet found in the teacher's guide. It featured vocabulary as well as addition algorithm practice. The Kahoot was used as whole-class activity with opportunities for collaboration between questions.

Why did I choose this?
I chose to administer questions in the form of a whole-class quiz game, Kahoot, because it allows for collaboration in solving the problems. Rather than solving an addition problem and explaining which algorithm was most effective, students had the opportunity to debate as a class which addition strategy is best suited for solving a problem.

What did I learn?
I learned that kids are more inclined to participate in an activity if it is fun! The questions in the Kahoot were identical to those provided on the worksheet, but the class was much more engaged with the Kahoot than they would have been with a worksheet.

What is this?
This is a bulletin board that I put together during my pre-session student teaching. My mentor teacher found the template on Teachers Pay Teachers; I then used colored cardstock and construction paper to craft it for our sixth-grade math classroom. The board is interactive, featuring a geometric flower made up of several unique shapes. Each shape is labeled with its classification (parallelogram, acute triangle, rhombus, etc.)---the label is affixed using laminated cardstock and velcro. The students can remove the labels to test themselves on their knowledge of shapes.

Why did I choose this?
I chose to include this artifact because it combines art and math. It is pleasing for the students to look at, but it also provides them with a challenge. The students enjoyed testing themselves on their knowledge of geometry; the board serves as a helpful yet pleasing visual for those who may need an extra reminder of their geometric knowledge.

What did I learn?
In crafting this bulletin board, I learned that math does not have to be boring. Creating a captivating visual for students can help them learn & memorize concepts even better.