Topic 3: Model Classroom Lessons

How Many Shapes Are There?
In this lesson third graders combine their knowledge of shapes and literary descriptions to chart information in an Excel spreadsheet. I was very impressed with the fact that this lesson instructs students to create pictographs in an Excel spreadsheet. This lesson incorporates numerous skills such as reading comprehension, imagery, collecting data, charting data, and technology skills. It would be a wonderful lesson to teach if it were shorter. The lesson plan states that it would take 3 one-hour sessions in a lab. For a class like mine that visits a lab for only 30 minutes a day, it would take over a week for this one lesson. I would have to change the lesson to only last one or two days by cutting out some of the literature and having the students work in small groups for the graphing portion.

Multiplication: Can You Show It?
In this lesson third graders display their knowledge of the concept of multiplying through visual representations. I actually do a very similar lesson as this every year however I have not incorporated technology into it. I like the way that the students create a slideshow together as a class. It is a 21st century version of a class book and I could post it on the website for parents to see. I would change the lesson and upload the images into a Photostory. It is very easy to use and I like the fact that you can add music to enhance your presentation.

Flat Stanley Sees the World
In this lesson third graders work with social studies and literature to create a brochure that a character from a book would visit. My students have experience with Fat Stanley in second grade by reading the novel and sending their own Flat Stanley in the mail to others. This would be a great continuation of their previous lesson. I like how it builds on their previous knowledge but then it takes it a step further by having them create the next chapter of the story in a brochure. Students could also work in groups to collaborate and help each other in the word document. This would provide peer feedback and time conservation.

Pictures from:
http://www.cam.k12.il.us/ms/8th/jones/Multiplication.jpg
http://www.ziggityzoom.com/images/activities/shape_flashcards_1.gif
http://www.auburn.edu/~murraba/guides/flatstanley.gif