ASSIGNMENT 3 (Instruction): Observe any instructional time in your assigned classroom, and record

your observations when presented with the questions below:

Instruction Question 1: What is the posted daily schedule for different subjects or periods? >>>

The daily schedule is posted on the front board by the teacher’s desk, the prep time varies
depending on the “letter” day but goes as follows:

9:05-9:55 5th grade

10:00-10:50 4th grade
10:55-11:45 2nd grade
11:50-12:40 Kinder
Lunch
1:20-2:10 3rd grade
2:15-3:05 1st grade

Instruction Question 2: Is instruction done in small groups, centers, whole groups, individual? >>>

Depending on which grade is present, the classes are split into two groups, Team 1 and Team 2.
With the older kids they typically are split into two teams, where one group will do an activity
while the other does a different activity and after an amount of time, they switch.

Instruction Question 3: How would you describe your cooperating teacher’s teaching style? >>>

I would say her teaching style is visual oriented. She uses visual slide decks so the children see what
they should be doing, as well as demonstrating the activity by using the kids as models, so the class
can see how to play the game

Instruction Question 4: Does the teacher incorporate the sensory modalities (learning styles)? If so, give
examples. >>>

The teacher uses different manipulatives with the kids exploring their sense of touch. For example, the
kindergarteners use balloons and yarn balls to practice tossing and catching. She also uses beanbags
and soft sponge balls to play games with the kids. I have also seen her incorporate the sense of
hearing where the kids have to close their eyes and listen to the commands of the teacher and when
they hear the action word, they grab a ball in front of them.

Instruction Question 5: Do the students seem engaged in the lesson(s) that are being presented?
Please explain. >>>

For the most part I believe the kids are engaged in the lessons that are being presented. I would say
because the teacher has a softer voice and it doesn’t carry as well, some of the kids tend to not listen
when directions are being given. But with a few attention getters they focus long enough to receive the
directions.
Instruction Question 6: Explain the use of culturally relevant materials, teaching strategies, class décor,
etc. that meet the needs of today’s culturally diverse student population. >>>

The teacher uses culturally relevant references in her lessons as well as posters from the local
Women’s Basketball team and hockey team on the walls. These references help the kids understand
and relate to the activities being taught.

Instruction Question 7: Is instructional time managed efficiently? Please explain >>>

I would say instructional time is used somewhat efficiently. Sometimes the activities aren’t able to be
played fully because time was taken giving the instructions and getting the kids set up to play the
games. Towards the end of the lesson they are rushing to get the kids back to their teachers.

Instruction Question 8: How does the cooperating teacher handle transitions from one subject or period
to another, and are these transitions efficient? >>>

The transitions are for the most part efficient, sometimes the class runs a little late so the kids are
rushing to get their things and before they can leave, the next class is showing up. So there really isn’t
enough time for the teacher to take a break from the previous class and regroup for the next.

Instruction Question 9: List ways that the teacher attempts any “attention getting” commands? (Ex:
Countdown, Light flicker, Heads on Desk) How effective are they? >>>

The teacher will either use a “1,2,3” countdown system or say “Eyes Up” and the children will repeat it
and know to get quite. Depending on how loud it is, the attention getter has to be repeated once or
twice.

Instruction Question 10: What specific behavior issues does the teacher have to deal with? How does
the teacher deal with these behavior issues? Be specific. >>>

The main behavior issue that arises are mostly from the kids being too talkative. The kids like to roast
each other and when one starts they can’t stop unless the have the last word, so in turn, they just end
up going back and forth with each other. The other issue is with the younger kids keeping their hands
to themselves. The younger kids like to pretend they’re playing video games in real life and sometimes
they can get a bit handsy. The teacher uses a “S.I.T” system where the children are given 3 strikes
( one warning, then take a second to gather and refocus, then they sit out for some time). If the offense
is severe, then the admins are called to intervene.

Instruction Question 11: Are there any policies or procedures in place that help or hinder instructional
time? If so, explain them and how they help or hinder use of instructional time. >>>

I would say there aren’t any procedures that help or hinder instructional time other than having
2nd grade and Kinder during lunch and recess time. With most of the instruction being done
outside, this sometimes poses as a distraction to some of the kids and hinders their ability to
focus.
Instruction Question 12: What philosophical teaching orientation(s) best describes this teacher? Give
examples. >>>

The teacher teaches in a essentialist way in that she believes the children should know the
basic fundamentals needed to succeed in the world. For instance, depending on the lesson she
will go over the basics thoroughly and make sure the kids can perform the task before moving
on. Such as, with basketball, learning how to hold the ball in their hand before playing a game,
or knowing how to kick a ball before playing a game of kickball.

Instruction Question 13: Outline the lesson plan for a teaching lesson you observed. What preparations
in advance were need for teaching the lesson? >>>

A teaching lesson I observed was a basketball unit. The first time the students came they
familiarized themselves with the basics of how to dribble the ball and use the fundamentals in
order to successfully perform basic basketball moves. The kids would split into their color
groups and each group would be at a different station. Each station taught a skill used in
basketball, such as, dribbling, passing, shooting, etc. The preparations consisted of gathering
all of the materials needed for the stations and printing out instruction sheets for each station,
explaining which skill they would be working on.

Instruction Question 14: Describe both teacher and student uses of technology in the classroom. >>>

For the teacher, she utilizes the panel screen to show the students google slides with
animations showing what the students will be doing in the lesson as well as YouTube videos
showing the skill used in real life. The kids will circle on the screen the items that are being
utilized during an action.