Engineering Lesson

This week Taylor, Lisa, Alicia and I taught an engineering lesson to a small group of kindergarteners. We focused on the standard K-2-ETS1-2, which states: develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. To go along with this topic we chose the book the three little pigs story. We began by reading the students the story. We then asked them questions about the story such as “Which house blew over?” and “Which house was the strongest?”. We used these questions to gauge the students’ understanding of the topic. We then gave the students the opportunity to build their own houses out of a variety of materials. We then put their house to the test by seeing if they stood up to the big bad wolf (the hair dryer).  After this we discussed with the students what houses stood up to the wolf and why.

Before beginning our experience at Brigham elementary, I set a few goals for myself. These goals included how to effectively communicate material to a group of diverse students and gain experience with a group of diverse leaners. The first goal I set for myself was to learn how to effectively communicate material to a group of diverse learners.  One way we tried to accomplish this goal during this lesson was to read a book that included the words in both English and Spanish. This way the students have the opportunity to see and hear the story in two languages. We also tried to accomplish this goal by giving the students the opportunity do a hands on activity to increase the students’ learning on the topic. Another goal I set for myself was to gain experience working with a group of diverse learners. Each and every time I was in a classroom at Brigham, I made more progress toward this goal by learning new things.

To go along with these goals, I came up with a few steps to take in order to reach my goals. These steps included getting to know the students better, learning the students’ learning habits, and getting involved in the classroom.  I worked toward the first step of getting to know the students better every time I have the opportunity of being in the classroom with either the kindergarten classroom or the preschool classroom.  By working with the students so often, I get to know them better and better. Another step I determined was to become more familiar with the learning habits of the students.  Each time I observed a lesson in the classroom, I learned new information about what worked and what didn’t work for this group of students. This gave me insight into the students’ learning habits. The final step I determined was to get involved in the classroom.  This week it was much easier to get involved with the students. Since we had four teachers teaching this lesson and only four students participating, each teacher was able to focus their attention on one of the students. This was helpful in getting to know the students and really helping them succeed in the lesson.

Here is a link to a website to help other teachers work with a group of diverse students. https://www.teachervision.com/teaching-methods/resource/6039.html

Exceeds: I included a link to a website with tips for working with a group of diverse learners.