Squanto and the First Thanksgiving - 1st Grade Social Studies Lesson
EDUC 301: Educational Pscyhology Final Paper
Read, Write, Think Aloud Lesson
Observation Survey
Math Lesson
(with differentiation for a student with behavioral problems)
Educational Reform Policy Paper on Vouchers

Elementary school teachers are expected to have a firm understanding of the subject matter and pedagogical knowledge for instruction. It is important that teachers know and understand what is being taught at the elementary level. As a teacher, I am committed to following the guidelines of the local curriculum guides and the Virginia Standards of Learning when I create lessons for my students. One particular lesson that highlights my ability to connect social studies standards to classroom activities is my lesson focused on Squanto and the First Thanksgiving. This lesson focused on the biographical aspect of history and had the students create a picture timeline of Squanto’s major life events.

Beyond understanding the subject matter, it is essential that teachers understand how students learn and develop. Research has shown that students learn best when they are actively engaged in activities. My final paper from my Educational Psychology course highlights the various cognitive, social, and emotional needs of students. Additionally it develops my view of education, my goals in the classroom, how SOLs should be used in the classroom, and the roles I will play in the classroom.

Literacy skills play a central role in the learning process of elementary school students. Reading, writing, verbal discussions, listening skills, and the use of visual representations are all important aspects of literacy development. Students require high quality texts, opportunities to share their thoughts verbally and through writing, and quality opportunities to hear their language spoken. Two examples of lesson plans I have created that focus on the role of literacy in the classroom are my Read, Write Think Aloud Lesson and my Observation Survey of a first grade reader. The Read, Write, Think Aloud Lesson allowed fourth graders to become active in their analysis of an illustrated text, follow the writing model that is established by the lesson, and create stories that were rich in detail. Students also had the opportunity to share their work with a classmate and practice their oral reading skills. The Observation Survey focuses on the beginning development of literacy skills in primary school children, and provides a snapshot of how students write, decode texts, and read.

Although standards exist to guide instruction, there are many ways to interpret and utilize the information. An important aspect of teaching involves creating learning opportunities that accommodate different learners. Instruction may be adapted to fit different ability levels. Every classroom has a composite of unique learners, and the ability to create lessons that adapt instruction for the variety of needs is essential for student success. One particular lesson that I created focuses on differentiating instruction for a student with behavioral problems. The lesson involved research based methods for modifying behavior and was paired with hands on math activities.

Education in the United States is important. It involves students, parents, and faculty from all economic, ethnic, and religious groups. Creating a system that truly serves everyone is a huge undertaking, but it is essential to the citizens of this country. Various policy creations that started to increase accountability for educational achievement have created debate amongst the population. One particular aspect that I focused on during my Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education course was the use of vouchers in public education, which can heavily impact the schools that are involved in these programs.

In addition to having a foundational understanding of education, I also have an understanding that students need lessons that engage their creativity.  The Volcano Island and UFO yarn art pictures were created by two of my students during a measurement unit math center.