First, frameworks. Sarah and I chose a framework centered around life cycles and students understanding that they vary among animals. Mrs. K. suggested that we introduce the children to life cycles before we introduce the caterpillars and this turned out to be great advice. Sarah and I decided to talk about the life cycle of frogs. The students actually knew quite a bit about this topic, however, I think the clarification of this issue was beneficial to them. They were excited to share the information that they did know as well as learn information they didn't know. We compared the frog life cycle to that of humans and we discussed how they vary. For example, humans are born with 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 eyes, etc. But, frogs changed intensely as they develop.
Second, materials. Sarah and I provide our students with Science Activity Folders every week. This makes things easier for us regarding organization and this makes the distribution of materials much smoother. We fill the folders with worksheets or whatever else the students might need beforehand and we ask the students to take out whats needed as the lesson progresses. On Monday, our materials consisted of cut out frog life cycle pieces, a worksheet to glue these pieces onto, and blank paper for their journal writing. Everything worked out great material-wise on Monday!
Finally, our introduction. Sarah and I put a lot of time and thought into how to launch the students into this lesson. We threw around a few ideas and ended up having a conversation with the students to get them interested. We told the students that while walking around a lake in their town, we saw a frog. From there we invented a debate over what baby frogs look like. The students were eager to take sides and only 1 student agreed with me that baby frogs look like frogs and not fish (tadpoles). It made the lesson more personal and it created a smooth transition into the lesson itself.
I'd say it was a pretty good lesson! Can't wait for next Monday! :-)
Sounds like a great lesson! Your science folders are such a smart idea to manage materials.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you two are doing a great job! It's good to hear that your students are so willing to learn and to share what they already know on the topic, and it sounds like you have been working very hard to prepare for your lessons so that the students will be engaged and excited to learn. It's great that you used the students' past experiences in order to make the lesson more personal and to make a smooth transition into the day's lesson. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you guys use science folders for the students. I am starting to think that is something that Alisha and I should consider because we come in and leave each day with about 500 pieces of paper and worksheets and assessments everywhere...I feel like it would be extremely helpful with "materials management". Anyways sounds like you guys did a great job.
ReplyDeleteHi Katelyn! Sound like lesson 2 went well! great idea to teach them about life cycles before you get the butterflies. It's great they'll have that knowledge to make connections to! It sound very helpful that you can collaborate with your classroom teacher on lesson ideas. Good work with materials management and framework connections as well! Keep it up gals!
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