Instructional Strategies
InTASC #8
The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
Instruction
3b: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
Instruction
3c: Engaging students in learning
8. Instructional Strategies
I was able to teach a unit on cultural diversity, a concept that is not introduced in third grade. This unit is designed to be taught over the span of five days. The lessons are focused in Social Studies but are not limited as it incorporates English Language Arts skills as well. All five lessons have a literal text that goes along with each story to help students gain more of an appreciation for children's literature and overall enrich the lesson as a whole. These lessons are designed to help third grade learn and discover new content on the world of Culture and Diversity that is all around them. Using literal text allowed the students to gain more insight by viewing visuals where the students could help make connections. I had also incorporated a craft where each student would create a passport. They had asked questions that related to their own lives and their own cultural backgrounds. The students were genuinely really excited to learn more about themselves when they went home they asked parents or guardians where their last name came from. I was able to create some really great and enriching discussions with the students where they were able to dig deeper. I feel like their critical thinking and rich discussions allow for students to build connections and make more memorable learning.
