Thanksgiving Unit
Communication is only effective when the students are thoroughly engaged. This is something that becomes clearer to me with each class I instruct. I have found myself paying closer attention to everything around me (reading, listening, observing) which seems to make it easier to integrate information into a lesson. It is extremely easy to lose a third-graders interest so I am constantly evaluating throughout the lesson.
As a communicator I spoke clearly and provided clear examples. For example, in order for the students to understand how the Pilgrims felt concerning the crowded conditions on the Mayflower, I put masking tape on the floor and had each group stay inside the masking tape area. I also place the student’s names/groups on the board in case anyone forgot their group number. I had handouts for each workstation describing what they should be doing during and after they finished the workstation.
Matter
All of the lesson plans, experiments, and use of manipulatives discussed in these web pages are proof of the effectiveness of my communication skills. I found that in special education it is extremely important to pay close attention to the students, looking for signs of understanding and comprehension. Many times it was necessary to differentiate my instruction to engage everyone.