Thursday, December 15, 2016

Course Reflection

My prezi presentation through screencast-o-matic!

http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cDloqEQ0dV

Monday, December 12, 2016

Unit Plan

Candidate’s Name: Michael Ambrogio
Grade Level: 1
Title of the lesson: America Through Music & Art
Length of the lesson: 6 (50 min) Sessions


Central focus of the lesson:
This lesson uses vocabulary of unfamiliar words in the song "America the Beautiful," to increase students' vocabulary through music and art. This lesson will also increase their knowledge of U.S. geography. We will discuss sights and scenery throughout the US to activate students' prior knowledge. This discussion will be followed by a read-aloud and introduction to the song "America the Beautiful," which will be played in each lesson. Students will learn the meaning of the song's words through shared reading and the use of context clues and images. Students will then use photographs, illustrations, and descriptive language to create a mural shaped like the US. Finally, students will reflect on what they learned through pictures through and words.
Knowledge of students to inform teaching:
I will discuss with the students' sights, sounds, and places in the US. I will have the students identify and name geographic features of our local area. I will ask them to tell me about places they may have traveled and what kinds of things they have seen. I will chart student responses which will be used in the last session.
Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1
Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.1
Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.2
Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.4
Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.6
Distinguish between information provided by pictures or other illustrations and information provided by the words in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.7
Use the illustrations and details in a text to describe its key ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.8
Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.10
With prompting and support, read informational texts appropriately complex for grade.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4.A
Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4.C
Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.A
Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.B
Build on others' talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.2
Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.C
Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences (e.g., He hops; We hop).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.4.A
Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.5
With guidance and support from adults, demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.5.C
Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., note places at home that are cozy).
Learning objectives:

Students will:

  •  be able to discuss and identify places, landscapes, and landforms throughout the US.
  •  use pictures to describe places and background located throughout the US.
  •  create vocabulary posters that describe, illustrate, and define targeted words from the song "America the Beautiful."
  • demonstrate understanding of the meanings of selected words from the song "America the Beautiful."
  • draw and or locate pictures and write words that demonstrate and describe geographic features of the US, and create a large mural of the US. 
  • use pictures and words to demonstrate what they have learned about the US.

Formal and informal assessment:


  •      I will assess students’ “America the Beautiful” reflection sheets.
  •      I will observe each student’s participation in discussions.
  •           I will assess how well students demonstrate their understanding of the vocabulary words from “America the Beautiful” as well as their understanding of the geography of the US.
  •           I will evaluate students’ drawings and labels for the US mural.
  •           I will evaluate students’ vocabulary posters.

I will consider the following during assessment:

  • Did students use words and pictures to show what they have learned?
  • How appropriate were the words and pictures?
  • How well were students able to use the new words in sentences?
  • Were the pictures they included appropriate in relation to the words’ meanings?
  • How well did they respond to the questions they were given?
  • Did their drawings reflect an understanding of places and features of the US?
  • How effective were the descriptions in the students’ labels?
  • Were their descriptions appropriate in relation to their drawings?


Instructional procedure:

SESSION ONE
1.    One word at a time, I will ask the students if anyone has ever heard or knows the meaning of the following words from the song "America the Beautiful":
a.    spacious
b.    amber
c.    grain
d.    majesties
e.    plain
f.     brotherhood.
I will accept all reasonable responses and tell them that they will learn more about these words.
2.    I will ask how many can sing "America the Beautiful" and give them a chance to demonstrate.

3.    As a class, we will read aloud the book America the Beautiful. I will show the pictures as I read.
4.    After reading, I will do a repeat "picture walk," and allow the students to respond and make connections to the text or the photographs.
5.    When the students have finished responding, I will tell them that the words in this book are actually the words to the song "America the Beautiful," which they will learn to sing.

6.    I will post a prepared chart with the words to "America the Beautiful."
7.    I will play the song for them.
8.    I will encourage them to sing along if they know the song.

9.    After listening to the song once or twice, I will ask the students to identify any words they do not know.
10.  We will underline those words on the chart with a colored marker and leave the chart posted on the wall.
11.  I will tell the students that they will learn the meanings of these words in the next session.

SESSION TWO
1.    I will gather the students into a group where everyone can clearly see the chart with the words to "America the Beautiful."
2.    I will have the students sing along with the song once or twice while I track the words on the chart.
3.    I will have the students help me pinpoint and read the words that I highlighted on the chart in the previous session.

4.    Then we will revisit the book America the Beautiful, and discuss the pictures that illustrate the highlighted words.
5.    To help them understand the meanings of the words, I will ask questions such as:
a.    What do you see in this picture? (I will point to specifics)
b.    How does the sky look? (for the word spacious)
c.    What color is this? (for the word amber)
d.    When the wind blows, what does tall grass do? (for the word waves)
e.    What can you say about these mountains? (for the word majesty)
f.     What is growing here? (for the word fruited)
g.    How does this land look? (for the word plain)
h.    What do you see on this page? (for the word brotherhood)

6.    After reviewing and questioning all the identified words, we will revisit each word, and I will ask for volunteers to tell me what they mean and/or use them aloud in a sentence.
7.    I will conclude this session by playing the song again while tracking the words on the chart.

SESSION THREE
1.    I will review the words the students learned in Session Two by having them identify and read the words on the lyrics chart.
2.    I will write the words on the board, and/or have student volunteers write them.
3.    I will have student volunteers give informal definitions for each word, and ask other students to use each of the words in at least two different sentences.

4.    Then, I will have students work in small groups to choose one or two of the words.

o   Alternatively, I can assign words to the groups so that each group will work with a different word, or I can choose just one or two words for all students to work with.
For students who need assistance, this activity can be done in centers or stations.

5.    I will give each group a large sheet of chart paper.

6.    I will have the students follow these instructions to create a poster for each word:
o   Write the word on your paper.
o   Write what the word means.
o   Use the word in two different sentences.
o   Write the sentences on your paper.
o   Draw a picture that shows the meaning of the word.

7.    While student groups are working, I will ask the groups questions such as:
o   For the word beautiful: What would make our school more beautiful?
o   For the word spacious: Would you like to live in a spacious area? Why or why not?
o   For the word amber: Name or draw two or three things that are an amber color.
o   For the word majesties: Think of stories you have read. Have you heard the word majesty or majestic in any of them? What do these words make you think of?
o   For the word plain: If you lived on or visited a plain, what might you see?
o   For the word brotherhood: How do we show brotherhood in our classroom?

8.    When all the students are finished, I will have them share their vocabulary posters with the entire class.
9.    After conclusion of the lesson I will display them on the wall.
10.  I will add all the words to an existing classroom word wall.
11.  I will encourage students to use the words in their writing and conversations.

SESSION FOUR
1.    I will post the cut-out paper for the US mural on the wall at a height that students can reach.
2.    We will review the highlighted words and definitions from the song chart.
3.    I will ask the students to tell me what they might draw to show what the words mean.
4.    I will do a picture walk through a photographic essay book of the US and invite the students to comment about the pictures.
5.    I will be sure to point out any specific photographs that are in NY or places that are mentioned in "America the Beautiful."
6.    I will show the students a topographical map of the US, and point out our own region.

7.    Through questioning and direct instruction, I will identify the mountains, valleys, plains, lakes, and oceans.
8.    I will compare this map to the blank US mural and show them where these areas would be on the blank mural paper.
9.    I will post the topographical map near the blank mural paper for reference.
10.  I will lightly draw in lines to show where mountains are located.

11.  I will explain to the students that in the next session they will draw and cut out pictures of places in the US and place them on the blank paper to create a mural.

12.  I will briefly discuss ideas for drawings that would be appropriate for the mural.

SESSION FIVE
1.    I will show the students scenic photographs from the following websites:

2.    I will remind students that they will be gluing pictures and words to the US-shaped mural until it is filled with pictures.
3.    I will have the students volunteer ideas for drawings.
4.    I will make sure the students understand that the pictures they draw need to be large and colorful.

5.    I will distribute drawing paper and allow the students enough time to draw whatever features they choose.
Ø  Alternatively, I will provide words on slips of paper that students can select from a basket, and have them draw an illustration for the word they pick.
6.    As drawings are finished, I will have the students label their drawings with descriptive words, especially words that are present in the song "America the Beautiful."
7.    I will have the students cut their drawings into interesting shapes, keeping the word labels intact.
8.    Then I will have the students glue their drawings onto the mural in appropriate places.

9.    After the students have added at least one word and/or illustration to the mural, I will allow them additional time for some of the following activities:
Ø  look through magazines to find scenic photographs for the mural.
Ø  draw additional, labeled illustrations for the mural.
Ø  work with partners to create "America the Beautiful" crossword puzzles.
Ø  find and cut out related words from magazines or newspapers, glue them onto construction paper, and add illustrations.

10.  I will give the students plenty of time to fill the mural with pictures and drawings and to participate in at least one of the activities.
11.  When the mural is finished, I will allow students to discuss what they've learned about the US and to share any crossword puzzles they created.
12.  I will make copies of the student-created crossword puzzles for use in the next session.

SESSION SIX
1.    I will have the students complete the "America the Beautiful" reflection sheet, using words or pictures or both to show four things they have learned about what makes America a beautiful place to live.
2.    As the students complete their reflection sheets, I will have them explain their work individually during a teacher conference.
3.    While I wait for all the students to complete the reflection sheet and meet with me individually, I will allow the students time to browse through additional books or work in groups to complete one or more student-made crossword puzzles.

4.    When all the students have completed and discussed their reflection sheets, I will allow additional time for students to discuss the additional books they might have read or browsed through.

5.    To close the lesson, I will ask the students to discuss what they have learned about the sights, sounds, and places in the US.
6.    We will revisit the chart created in the first session and add new information to the list.
Instructional resources and materials used:
·         America the Beautiful picture book
·         A large sheet of chart paper cut into the shape of the US
·         Assorted colored markers
·         Lyrics for "America the Beautiful"
·         Magazines with colored scenic pictures of the US
·         White construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue
·         Photographic essay book showing scenic features of the US
·         Topographical map of the US
·         CDs or various versions of "America the Beautiful"
·         computer that plays music downloads

Reflection
·         In what ways were your teaching methods effective? How do you know?
·         In what ways were your activities effective? How do you know?
·         In what ways were the instructional materials effective?
·         How did any special considerations of accommodations affect the lesson?


Unit Description: This lesson uses vocabulary of unfamiliar words in the song "America the Beautiful," to increase students' vocabulary through music and art. This lesson will also increase their knowledge of U.S. geography. We will discuss sights and scenery throughout the US to activate students' prior knowledge. This discussion will be followed by a read-aloud and introduction to the song "America the Beautiful," which will be sung in each lesson. Students will learn the meaning of the song's words through shared reading and the use of context clues and images. Students will then use photographs, illustrations, and descriptive language to create a mural shaped like the US. Finally, students will reflect on what they learned through pictures through pictures and words.

Integrating creative learning is important in the teaching of individual words. Giving students opportunities to use words more than once and in a variety of ways is a very effective strategy. In this lesson, students use visual art, music, and multiple vocabulary-related strategies to help them learn vocabulary words that describe many features of the US. At the same time, they learn one of the most well-known patriotic songs in American culture.




Culminating Activity: I will allow students to work with partners to create an "America the Beautiful" card. I will have the students do a red, white, and blue assortment with stripes, stars, and pictures on white construction paper. I will display these around the mural. I will encourage students to continue to use the words in their writing and conversations in and out of school. During the duration of the lesson, I will play different versions of "America the Beautiful," encouraging the students to listen and sing along. I will have the students offer additional words that describe or name places in the US, and make a word list for the wall. I will have the students "act out" the different vocabulary words.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Mini Lesson

Candidate’s Name: Michael Ambrogio          
Grade Level: 4
Title of the lesson: Fables
Length of the lesson: 45 mins


Central focus of the lesson:
In this lesson, students will use Internet sources, graphic organizers and group activities to analyze and discuss the characteristics and story lines of two different fables, "The Owl and The Grasshopper" and "The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse."  After students read and brainstorm story elements of the folktales, they will then write a fable of their own.
Knowledge of students to inform teaching:
To begin this lesson, I will explain to the students that they are going to be learning about fables. Fables originated long ago and were a form of oral storytelling.

To help the students understand what oral storytelling is all about, they will play the Telephone Game. Students will sit in a circle. I will whisper one line into the ear of the student to my right. Each student will turn and repeat the line to the next person by whispering it in their ear. Once the last student hears the line, they say it out loud. We will discuss: How the story changed and why.
Common Core State Standards:
o   Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.
Support literacy development through language:
·         Students will be able to analyze fables, find the moral of the story, and identify the message or theme of the fable.
Formal and informal assessment:
Through guided questions, close monitoring and informal observation; I will be able to assess student’s ability and understanding of the subject being introduced. Through individually assessing during independent practice and reviewing during guided practice I will be able to evaluate students.
Students will take turns going to the board and filing out the Venn Diagram to compare the elements of the two fables.
Instructional procedure:
I will explain why it was so important for oral storytellers to write their tales down.
     “There was a man by the name of Aesop, and he wrote many of the fables that we know today. We are going to be reading two of his fables, but before we do that, let us look at what characteristics are common to most fables."

I will create an anchor chart on the board to review the characteristics of fables with the class.

The students will then get their own copy for future guidance.

I will give each student a copy of the fable "The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse."

I will read this fable aloud to the class.

Once I have finished reading the story, I will call on individual students and have them identify the elements of a fable found in this story, referring to the anchor chart and handout.

I will give each student a copy of the second fable, "The Owl and The Grasshopper."

Students will read alone or in groups.

Once students have finished reading, the students will share with their shoulder partner, the elements of a fable found in this story.

I can monitor the student discussions at this time by walking around the room.

__________________________________________________________________________

To modify these exercises, students can read the passages with a peer, or listen to audio versions of the two fables to ensure better comprehension.

While students must work together to understand the meanings of unfamiliar words, vocabulary words and meanings have been pre-recorded on flashcards, which will be given to each group at the start of each lesson.

Students can tape their final fables before actually publishing them to help them organize their story ideas.

Students can have a scribe for their final fable.

Students can work in groups of three instead of two during the Guided Practice when they are sharing answers and discussion.
Instructional resources and materials:
o   The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse
o   The Owl and The Grasshopper
o   dry erase markers

Reflection
     Did your instruction support learning for the whole class and the students who need great support or challenge?
     What changes would you make to support better student learning of the central focus?
     Why do you think these changes would improve student learning? Support your explanation from evidence of research and/or theory.


Dr. Hui-Yin Hsu Spring 2014



Running Record