Homework
Overview
For this Work Product, you will demonstrate your ability to plan developmentally appropriate preschool math and science activities, and to plan, implement, and engage in critical reflection on an integrated math/science lesson for preschool children. You are strongly encouraged to use the Academic Writing Expectations Checklist when completing this Homework.
Part I: Lesson Plan Reflection Guidelines
Self-evaluation is a powerful tool that will help you become a better teacher. Reflecting on and evaluating your teaching, after a lesson is over, will give you insights that may save you time and frustration later. Even a few brief evaluative notes on a lesson plan will help you immensely the next time you conduct that lesson or activity.
In the rush of teaching, you may be tempted to skip self-evaluation. There are always plenty of other pressing tasks that need to be done. But, if you don't evaluate yourself, you will miss opportunities for growth. You will be surprised by how much you forget if you don't write your ideas down, and you may end up making the same mistakes repeatedly. Also, you will be surprised at how just a few minutes of critical reflection can help you discover things you would have otherwise not noticed.
Take the time (while you still have it!) to critically reflect on your lesson. It is important to train yourself to be self-reflective/critical and "process" what your experience was. It is the primary way to learn from past experience. After a while, it will become second nature.
Here are some questions to ask yourself after a lesson or activity:
a. What went well in this lesson? Why?
b. What problems did I experience? Why?
c. Was it "child-centered"? Did the lesson and learning activities meet the needs of all the children? How do I know?
d. What could I have done differently?
e. What did I learn from this experience that will help me in the future?
It is also helpful to break the lesson plan into its different components:
a. Preparation and research: Was I well prepared? What could I have done differently?
b. Written plan: Was I organized? Did the written format work? Is there a better form?
c. Presentation: What steps did I take to ensure that children were actively engaged throughout the lesson?How clear were my directions? How effectively did I guide children through the learning activities? How could I improve in these areas?
d. Homework: Does my method(s) of homework measure what I want it to? What evidence did my homework(s) provide about the children's understanding and skills? Whatother homework method(s) could I have used?
Part II
Access the following to complete this Homework:
a. Lesson Plan Template
b. Lesson Reflection Questions
This homework has two-parts. Click each of the items below to complete this homework.
Part 1: Math and Science Learning Activities
Effective math and science units and lessons comprise numerous activities that help children develop key concepts and skills. Bring to mind an area of study in math and in science, or an integrated math/science unit, project, or theme. With this area of study in mind, explore the Internet, curriculum materials, and other resources for high-quality activities that will develop key concepts and skills in that area. Select one activity in math and another activity in science that you could conduct with the preschool children you are currently teaching, with any class or group of preschool children. These two activities may be used as building blocks for the math/science integrated lesson you will create for Part II of this Homework.
Outline a plan for the two activities as follows:
a. Indicate the title of the activity.
b. Describe the overarching unit, theme, or project.
c. Identify the targeted learning standards, goals, and objectives.
d. List the materials needed.
e. Indicate the grouping structure.
f. Explain the procedures.
g. Describe an informal homework that could be used.
h. Explain why this learning experience is developmentally appropriate for preschoolers.
Part 2: Plan, Implement, and Reflect on a Math/Science Integrated Lesson for Preschoolers
Plan, implement, and engage in critical reflection on an integrated science and mathematics lesson for preschool children. Your lesson may build upon the activities described in Part I of this Homework.
Complete this Homework as follows:
Plan
A. If you are not currently teaching in a preschool setting, speak with the teacher in the setting where you will implement the lesson.
a. Review math and science homework data for the children you will be teaching to gain an understanding of their current progress in the two subject areas, and to determine learning objectives for the lesson.
b. Discuss the various strengths and needs of the children and if the lesson will be implemented with the whole class or smaller group.
c. Discuss ideas for how your integrated lesson will fit into the teacher's current math and science units or themes.
B. Complete the Lesson Plan Template making sure to fill in all sections except the Reflection section at the bottom of the form.
C. Make all necessary preparations before you implement the lesson.
Implement
A. Review your lesson plan, and be sure to allow an appropriate length of time for your lesson implementation.
B. During your lesson implementation, look for evidence of whether or not the children are grasping the math and science concepts you're targeting. Be mindful of the effectiveness of your instructional strategies and materials, making adjustments, as needed, to maximize learning for all children.
Reflect
A. After implementing the lesson, reflect on your experience and complete the following:
a. Make anecdotal notes on your lesson plan, using the comments feature. Note what went well, where you made adjustments, and what you might do differently in the future, and why.
B. Summarize your experience by completing the Reflection section at the bottom of the Lesson Plan Template.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
• The answer must be using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, typed, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The response also includes a cover page containing the student's name, the title of the homework, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Attachment:- Lesson-Plan-Template.rar