Our Last Lesson (Really Sad!)

(Taught 3/30)

After the previous lesson, TP and I were really nervous about teaching (and being observed) the following day! Much to our excitement, the lesson went off almost without a hitch (except for the fact that we perpetually say "you guys").

TP began the lesson with a short review of the day before. She then explained our "detective mission". The kids worked with their table groups to look through 4 lost "explorer chest". Each chest had in it objects that were related to one of the four explorers. Students had to look at the objects in each chest and speculate as to which explorers chest it was. They also had to give their rational as to how they knew.

The kids were able to correctly identify each explorer, and were also able to explain their reasoning. They were, for the most part, on task throughout the activity and worked well in their teams. After each group had time to look at all four boxes and fill in their "detective reports", TP had them come together and go over their answers.

I then transitioned the kids into a Jeopardy game where kids again worked in their table teams to answer questions. Like with the box activity, their abilities exceeded our expectations. There was not a single question they did not know, which must mean that we actually got the material across. Like mentioned in class on Tuesday, is was exciting to see that "We can teach and they will learn!". One problem with the Jeopardy game, which was my fault, was that there were 5 categories with 5 questions in each, but there were 4 table groups. This gave one group an unfair advantage, because they were able to answer 2 500 pt questions. The children of course pointed out that it wasn't fair, and if I were to teach again I would make sure that the game was completely fair. That is still so important to children at this age.

After the game we celebrated their "solving the case of the missing explorer chests" and finishing their unit with cupcakes. Ms. K administered their summative assessment (which she is using for their unit test grade) that afternoon, and we have not yet gotten them back. I am very excited to see how the students did, it is always so encouraging when they do perform well and show a good understanding of the material.

I know that TP and I will really miss going into our school and being in our 3rd grade classroom. Ms. K was awesome and our students were so sweet (they were really sad to see us go). I am really encouraged by this experience, and, though I'm still a little nervous, I really am so encouraged to know that I can teach and they will learn!!