This week I spent my planning time in Mrs. M's fourth grade classroom, co-teaching the unit I wrote on The Three Branches of Government, using the Understanding by Design template. The unit utilizes the Web 2.0 tool LinoIt in order to hook students at the beginning of the lessons and to review concepts at the end of the unit. I created a pathfinder using Google Sites in order for the students to have Internet resources at their fingertips. The link is: https://sites.google.com/site/the3branchespathfinder/home In addition, students used Kidspiration to develop a diagram of the relationship between the governmental branches.
The students worked so well! Mrs. M has established great routines and has reinforced excellent note-taking skills. Most of the groups worked very hard and used their time efficient. It was a great experience to be the "Information Specialist" within another teacher's classroom. It also felt wonderful to be able to help with the technology resources and bring 21st Century learning into the classroom.
I spoke with Mrs. M about possible changes or improvements for the next time the unit is taught. We agreed that the time frame was somewhat optimistic, as the students didn't have time to finish the project within the week. It was a difficult time of the day to teach this unit because of the time lost during transitions--restroom break at the beginning, switching classes at the end. Instead of the intended 40 minutes, it ended up being more like 30 minutes per day. When Mrs. M reteaches the unit to her second class, we will change the rubric to require less within the areas of the three branches and checks and balances.
Overall, I had a great experience developing an instructional unit with another teacher. It was great to be a support to the teacher, as well as develop forms of assessment with her. I look forward to a career as a media specialist in order to be a resource to educators on a daily basis.
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