Lesson Planning

How does your mentor write-up lesson plans? How do they plan weekly? Monthly?

The three primary teachers have a block of time to plan each week. They plan for the next week and ahead based on math or science units. They talk about bigger projects and parent involvement. They write a weekly newsletter piece. They also plan based on student progress with math, reading and writing strategies. For example, the 1st graders may need more help with patterning while the 2nd graders need more activities with base ten concepts. They talk about what they will implement. They talk about previous implementation of the topics and decide if a better way is needed. They secure resources and plan for needed preparation of materials. These lesson plans are contained within their Teacher's Daily Plan Book and their masterful minds. Kass uses a star in her planner to indicate preparation of materials or more planning is needed. Kass takes home curriculum to study for planning as well as implementation of the lesson.

What do they do for formal observations?

Formal observations are completed by the DRA deadline of September 30th. Additional math, reading, writing and social-emotional data is obtained through work samples, note taking and observations. On going running records during reading workshop and work samples are obtained to document progress. Intentional math and writing samples as well as project folders are collected to share with parents at conferences. A self evaluation tool is also included and is a valuable insight into how a child feels about her control of her own learning potential and her contribution to the community.

What is the long range plan?

The long range plan is to continue to provide an environment rich in developmentally appropriate activities that speak to the grade level standards and that utilize creative, individualized and effective teaching techniques to obtain the highest level of learning for each student.