Model Classroom Lessons

Although I teach reading to students in grades K-5, I chose lessons from TATN designed for grades 3-5. Students in grades 3-5 represent the largest number of students that I serve.

The first lesson I chose to review was designed for fourth grade students on the topic of characterization. The technology tools needed to integrate this lesson are computers with Kidspiration and Microsoft Word--both of which are available to me and students on my campus. I like that the lesson integrated the use of technology for an otherwise ordinary task--webbing character traits. I also like that the lesson provided ideas for extension and reteaching activities along with modifications for older students. In addition, a rubric is included which will aid teachers in the evaluation of students' work. Finally, I think the connection to writing that is included in the lesson is valuable. After students complete the character trait web, the teacher models for students how to take the information from the web and create an analysis of a character. A list of topics that should be included in the analysis are also provided.

The second lesson I selected incorporates the use of Power Point to help students summarize a literature circle novel. This lesson caught my attention because many of the fourth and fifth grade teachers on my campus run literature circles within their classrooms. The technology tools needed for this lesson are readily available to me and my students--a computer with Power Point and internet access. The duration of the lesson is five days, and a detailed procedure is provided for each day. While I like that the procedure is outlined, I think more specific instructions should be provided. For example, on day one, students are expected to create a title page of their slide show. The directions state, "Working together with a partner, have them open up a new slide show. Walk them through the process by using a slide show template. After the title is displayed on the first slide, let them explore adding pictures, different fonts, and colors." Those directions seem a bit vague to me considering that I wouldn't know how to add pictures. Similar directions are provided for day two's work on the author bio. "When they are finished adding information to the second slide, let them explore adding transitions between slides one and two." Without more specific directions, I would be exploring this right along with my students! I could likely find a student more proficient than myself on Power Point to help be the "expert" for the day. In my opinion, the content of the assignment seems too easy for a fifth grade level. The lesson plan only asks for four slides to be completed--title, author bio., characters and setting. I know I would need to extend or revise the lesson objectives to match the level of instruction my fifth grade students would need.

The third lesson I chose for review was 24 pages long and designed to help fifth grade students create a Power Point titled "All About Me." The lesson was designed for a fifth grade class but could easily be adapted for another grade level. The technology materials required include computers with Power Point and a digital camera if possible. The lesson is intended to be an introductory lesson for Power Point. The authors of the lesson included a Power Point tutorial along with step-by-step instructions for starting a Power Point presentation. Actual screen shots were included in the directions to help provide more clarity. The detailed instructions are one reason I chose to print the entire lesson! I think an "All About Me" Power Point would be great to have playing for "Back to School Night" or Open House. In addition, this type of activity serves as an opportunity for the student to explore his/her own interests and lets students get to know each other. Students could use their Power Point projects to make presentations to the class. Individual presentations would help students celebrate differences among people, get to know each other, and learn public speaking skills.