Observations

The first 2 groups have done amazing jobs teaching their 3 types of lessons: Direct Instruction, Inquiry, and Cooperative Learning. I have learned so much from them and gotten to see what really works with this class and some things that I would like to change up a bit when it is my turn. I've found that this 5th grade class has trouble when asked to write a lot of information in a short amount of time. I have also noticed that they work really well in groups and like to do hands on activities. The children are very respectful to the new teachers in their classroom. They are so smart! They know many current events that are going on in our world (for example Ebola). They are very eager to share their answers to the questions that are asked of them and they learn new information very quickly. They also retain the information into the next class which is great. I can tell that we are really teaching them new topics which is great. I loved watching them share their Cooperative Learning activities with the group yesterday. They really did an amazing job and the other students enjoyed watching each group.

Tomorrow it is my turn! I am very nervous and very excited to teach these amazing 5th graders. I think that we have everything ready and are going to give a great Direct Instruction lesson to this 5th grade class!

Algonquin Visitor

We had the pleasure of having a man who in an Algonquin tribe member come to our class and talk to us about being an Algonquin. I found it very interesting because he brought in handmade maps that he had made himself. He told us he used a number of maps and connected them together and then colored them in. He told us that they take about a day to complete but they are added to for several years.

He told us that the Hudson river is called "Mohikitook" which means the greatest of all/arm of the sea/flows both ways

He gave a great history of the Hudson River and knew a lot about it. 

He went around to ask each student where they were from and told me about a lake near my house that has a history with Native American tribes. 

My favorite part was his singing and playing instruments because it was awesome to see the culture expressed through music.