Civil War Lesson

Devin and I picked the same topic to create our lesson plans on.  I find it interesting to have someone else interested in the Civil War like I am.  Like you, I had a hook which I thought was going to be good, it was in my mind, but after presenting I realized it was not.  After presenting and having the professor give me some ideas, I have been changing all my hooks to make them much better.  I too had a pre-assement similar to yours, having the students tell me what they already know about the Civil War.  This can get you a learning curve about the topic.  I also liked the use of bubble maps, I think these thinking maps go well with this topic.  As I was creating my lesson plans, I realized there is so much information out there and we can teach it all.  We have to pick the important stuff and go from there.

Group 3 Presentations

Tiffannie - The front video that was presented was catchy for the age group I thought and I believe the students would like it.  Also, I think kids in that age group love animals and they will find the lesson to be very entertaining.

Carman - When it came to creativity, I thought it was creative of having the students come up with their own problems.  This teaches them how to be creative and have their own perspective.  When it comes to a student who is very successful in the topic, having them assist other students is a great idea.

Linsey - When it comes to books, I would have to say Three Little Pigs is one of my favorites.  I also liked the thinking maps.

Sara - I have always been interested in geography, and having the students create their own map is a great idea.  They can get a better understanding of the whole system.  I think the students will be engaged in the lesson throughout the entire time.

Gabi - Presenting the students isa great way to get their attention and is a great hook.  I also thought the lesson was very interactive for the students the entire time.

Group 2 Presentations

This week we were shown the difficulties of technology.  Technology is being placed more and more into the educational world, however, there are still kinks in the system which have to be world out.  I thought everyone did a good job, and I have a hand for Carman stepping to the plate and presenting even though it was not her week.  In today's world, you don't see that too often.  I would have not been able to do this, as I have waited till the last minute and need to get mine finished.  In reference to the lesson plans observed tonight, there were many points that stood out.

Crystal - I liked the thinking map she presented.  Also, I am not a huge science fan, but I felt like if I was in the class I would learn the material being taught.

Michelle - Even though she experienced numerous technological difficulties, she had a good lesson laid out and fought through with what she was able too.  Also, I liked the worksheets she had at the end to tie her lesson all together.

Carman - Liked I mentioned above, I give you a hand for stepping to the plate and being prepared to go on a moments notice.  Also, the lesson flowed well and the powerpoint has lots of information.

Group 1 Presentations

When it comes to presenting first, it is one thing I hate to do.  So with this thought, I give lots of credit to Amanda, Douglas, and Christina.  All three had lots of good information and points to their presentations.

Amanda - The slides she presented caught my attention, for instance if I was in first grade I would have been paying attention.  Also, she put all the information on the table which she was going to be teaching.

Douglas - The Cahoot which he did was fun and entertaining as well as educational.  Also, I liked how the video he used in reference to metaphors related to music in which kids would be listening to these days.  This could make kids listen deeper to the music they listen too and see if they can point out these metaphors outside of class.

Christina - The video see used would be able to get the class involved, as it is a catchy video.  Also, the lesson being taught would get the kids up and involved instead of just sitting around.

All three did a great job and gave the rest of us a standard to match.