Instructional Design and Assessment
During my Elementary Music course, we created a unit plan focusing on a specific genre or element of music. I feel my "Beatles" unit became an incredibly unique way of implementing music that a typical music teacher would not teach. I have a great appreciation and knowledge of music, so after completing this course, feel prepared to teach music in a school system that may have had to cut their arts program. This unit plan includes Youtube videos, sound bytes of instruments, and the option of using personal computers to complete lessons. With the use of technology, this unit "promotes literacy in a variety of contexts (multi-media, artistic, graphics, and digital)" Social studies, Language Arts, spelling, and creative writing are all included in this unit.
Autumn leaves is a lesson that incorporates science and art. It is a beautiful lesson that gives students the freedom to create their very own autumn tree. Incorporating literature explaining the change of weather and creating discussions about the different things happening in nature is incredibly rewarding to see in first grade. Young students are honestly interested in the world around them. When it comes to using paint and other craft material, it is important to "differentiate instruction in an environment that facilitates each student's learning and access to an equitable education." Once students are working diligently on their craft of creating the autumn trees, I enjoy taking the one-on-one time that my special needs student deserves. When I taught this lesson, the setting in the classroom was incredibly calm and relaxing; the best atmosphere for my special needs student.
The DeBug System is a district wide process that is implemented for the students to take care of their own issues on the playground, in the classroom, and outside of school. If another child is bothering another child, we ask that the child that is having the issue should go through the steps of: ignore, walk away, talk friendly, talk firmly, and then to get an adult. By introducing and reinforcing this concept throughout the entire school year, our district helps students "apply knowledge of human growth, development and learning theory to design and implement instruction for the continuing development of students' cognitive, affective, physical, emotional and social capacities.
