Instructional Model

Direct Instruction is the instructional model that I prefer to explore a little bit more in depth.
I think direct instruction is interesting because it is a guided practice as a whole class and then the students do their work independently. Also, information is presented in small steps so that one step can be mastered before moving to the next step.
At the same time, the students demonstrate their new skills or knowledge independently without help from anyone.
In general, a teacher should use the direct instruction model because is particularly useful when teaching basic skills and when the skills to be learned can be reduced to small, independent segments. This model is also useful when teaching facts or data for recall.

Ahhha and hmmmm moment!!!

One aha moment was last week when we worked in groups to share our ideas of assessment. I like to share my ideas and what I do in class that works for me. I like to heard what other people have to say and share about their teaching style because sometimes I "borrow" those strategies...
I like to share with you that I like the dynamic of the class even though that I am tier. I always try my best to stay on track...Sorry!!!
A hmmm moment that comes to my mind is the quiz part. I like your book and I enjoy reading it but when it comes to express myself in a paper is little bit difficult for me. But I am doing my best, and I will do it until the end of the semester because my goal is to graduate this Spring...
Thank you for reading this blog.

Class Instruction

I usually plan once a week, during the weekend. I plan in my house, actually in my kitchen. I feel more comfortable doing it that way that planning in my classroom. Even, when I need to grade paper, I rather take them home so I can grade them there.
I actually try to incorporate different materials for each day. I use technology as much as I can; for example, laptops, elmo, LCD projector, etc. I utilize a lot of visuals, such as posters, video, brainpop, hands on, etc because I work with mostly ELL students.
During the summer, we (teachers) created our own pacing guide, so that is what I use to guide me on what I need to teach. Also, I look up at the standards that are most tested in the OAA of previous years and it helps me to see what I need to teach most in depth.
I use different methods and strategies to reach my students. I need to differentiate at least with 2 or 3 students in each of my classrooms. I try to mix strategies, and incorporate as much activities that I can so students can get the sense of what they are learning.
For example, 6th grade is learning about different type of triangles by sides and angles. So, we did a lot of problems related to it, and each day I incorporate a different activity that goes with those problems. Tomorrow, for example, students will be creating a comic book  where the comics need to be the triangles. We will see how this activity comes out...I will tell you next week!!!