Have the students feel like real scientists
Encourage students to use their science notebooks to write down their ideas, thoughts, wonders, and data
Provide guiding questions for the students to collaborate with their classmates
Provide time for students to reflect on what they saw or did
Walk around to make sure the students are being engaged/sharing their thoughts with their group
Formally assess the students by walking around and looking at their notebooks to see if the students are understanding the questions or if there needs to be further instruction
Make sure students are challenged to develop meaningful understandings
Link what we are learning to the student's lives and even interests
Make sure each of my student's needs is accounted for
The classroom is linked with the broader community
Reading to your students is so important for students to become fluent in literacy
As a teacher, it is so important to tell your students' families to read with their children every night to help them develop vocabulary and have a love for literature
I value play-based learning by reading stories, encouraging conversations during play, and explaining new vocabulary to students so they can develop a love for reading
I believe that every child has a story to tell so allowing storytelling in the classroom is so valuable to students' success
Doing read-alouds in the classroom is so important for children to find a love for reading and allow their literacy to grow
I prioritize arts and music education as essential components of a well-rounded curriculum, fostering creativity, self-expression, and emotional intelligence.
I want to ensure that arts and music programs are accessible to all students, regardless of their background or abilities, promoting diversity and equity.
I want to integrate arts and music into core subjects to enhance understanding and engagement. For example, I would use music to teach math concepts or incorporate art projects into science lessons.
I would want to emphasize experiential learning through active participation in music and art activities, encouraging students to explore and experiment.
I think it is important to cultivate an appreciation for various forms of artistic expression and musical genres, helping students develop a lifelong love for the arts.
I would encourage collaboration and teamwork through group projects, ensemble performances, and art exhibitions, fostering social skills and cooperation.
I would use a variety of assessment methods that go beyond traditional testing to evaluate students' artistic growth and creativity.
I would connect arts and music education with the broader community through performances, exhibitions, and partnerships with local artists and organizations.
I would adapt teaching methods and content to meet the unique needs and interests of each student, nurturing their individual talents and passions.
I would provide many wiggle breaks and opportunities for students to just get up and dance (GoNoodle is a great resource)
The four images above were taken during my fieldwork observations in the 2nd-3rd grade combo class I am in with Mrs.Pfeifer at Loma Verde Elementary School during the Fall 2023 semester. The students had art docent that day and were creating art projects. It was really fun to watch how engaged each student was when doing these art projects. Each student was able to make their art piece unique to them and it was awesome to see how each student's piece of art was different. One of my favorite statements that one of the students made when doing her piece of art was "I feel like an artist right now". This statement shows why arts education is so important in the classroom and allows students to be themselves.