Nely to the Rescue and Kindergarten Rules for White Board

The two lessons I taught yesterday were planned. I knew much of the subject matter for the 1st grade World Religions Lesson. I reviewed my thoughts for a plan with Nely but was needing help instructing my idea for a lesson in an extreme IB (inquiry-based) way.

She gave me the idea to create a See-Think-Wonder regarding a page of the book where the students can then develop their own ideas for what they see, then what they THINK they see, and finally what they then WONDER about the Sacred Place.

The lesson began by having the students try to read the title, Sacred Places. They were having a hard time reading that word and were saying "scared" and were coming very close to conquering it, but they needed me to affirm it.

We then moved on and read the text. All but 1 child was engaged. She was seated near me and playing with objects within reach. Her behaviors were touched with my cooperating teacher and suggestions were made for next meeting with her.

I announced that we would have an activity but I did not tell the students what it would be.

We then TRIED to gather into 2 semi circles. This was very challenging for them to do. It is almost that I would have to get masking tape and tape it to the floor where I would want them to sit!

Nely came to the rescue and made them count off by 2's. This can be done before they come up the 3 stairs to save time.

The Kindergarten class went well except for the fact that we did not finish the book because they were drawing. This took up time as did the rules regarding not to draw when I was reading. They had a bit of a challenging time thinking of their own pictures to draw. I saw many copies my ideas (not what I wanted).

I saw a handful create their own.

Perhaps a way to alternately solve this is to read a page and ask if any one has any ideas of a picture that they can draw for that subject heading. If a student raises their hand, then they can draw that picture. Perhaps this will create incentive for the other students to come up with a visual.