Lesson Resources

On the very first day of school during my student teaching placement, I read "The Magical Yet" to introduce the growth mindset. Teaching this lesson on the first day helped the students understand that learning takes time and that challenges are part of the process. We discussed how the word "yet" is a magical power we will use all year long when something feels difficult, setting a positive and encouraging tone for our classroom community.

This lesson introduced students to rocks by exploring minerals, grains, and the physical properties of rocks, as well as how they are used in everyday life. Students engaged in hands-on learning by examining and exploring different rocks and their properties. Instruction included the use of the textbook, a slideshow, worksheets, exit tickets, turn-and-talks, class discussions, and a summative assessment to support understanding and assess learning.

In this social studies lesson, students learned about culture by exploring its 12 characteristics and discussing why culture is important. We shared and learned about one another's cultures, as well as cultures from books and videos. Students practiced comparing and contrasting different cultures and learned that while cultures may differ, those differences are what make each one unique. The lesson emphasized appreciation, respect, and love for all cultures.