Today I had my second observation. It was on something I felt the students really needed. I think there is a misconception children have that reading means the ability to read words fluently. Although it is one important aspect of reading, they must also comprehend the text. If they don't understand what they read, they are essentially, barking at text. My lesson today started off with a "General Knowledge Test," which contained questions that were irrelevant to the regular school curriculum. The students were only supposed to answer the first and last question of the test, which was stated in the instructions. Everyone attempted to answer the all the questions. After the test, I pointed out their mistake, and tried to make a connection to how it is important to carefully read the books they are reading in order to understand it. I demonstrated a technique they can use to help them better understand things they read by reading Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg as a read aloud. The lesson went well and I hope the students truly got the message of it.

There are tons of theories on homogeneous and heterogeneous grouping. Who really knows which one is better? What I do know is the application of grouping students is situational. It really depends on your students and what works for them. I've been grouping students both ways, but I cannot tell which is more effective. Today, I did a goal orientated activity with my class. I grouped a few students with their friends and warned them that if they use their time to chat with their friends, they would miss out on the prize. What I found was actually shocking. They worked really well together. They were one of the better groups that completed their task correctly and faster than the others. I've grouped them with each other as well as separated them before, but they would always end up chatting with each other. I think this experience goes to show how well tangible rewards really motivate students.

I had my first of three observations today. Overall, it went really well. My current supervisor is a lot more lenient than my previous one. My didn't let my nerves get the best of me, but they were present. The only thing my supervisor pointed out was the pace I was going at. Looking back at the lesson, it did seem as if I were rushing the lesson. Other than that, I am happy with how it went. I did a math lesson on Tangrams. It was integrated into literacy and art. The students really seemed to have enjoyed the lesson and I am glad for that. I will post the lessons I have done on the lesson plan page. This lesson will be one of them.