My Path to Inspiration and Inquiry

I did a bear art lesson introducing the eight types of bears that lives around the world. Prior to designing the art activity, I did some research on bears at the Education Library to make sure I am aware of the general characteristics, habitat and additional information about bears. I wanted to be prepared to answer questions and direct them to where we can find out the information if the students were to raise any. From doing background research,  I learned there are eight general species bears: Black, Brown, Polar, Sloth, Spectacled, Sun, Moon and Panda. I wanted to also raise the students’ awareness to the bears that live in our community, so I emphasized on the three that lives in Canada: Polar Bear, Black Bear and Brown Bear. I brought about 20 books that had real depiction of assorted species of bears to my Kindergarten class in case they might be intrigued to find out more about the topic after the lesson. I also did put these books out during morning reading time, (prior to bear art activity), and tub time (post art activity). I did also let Kal, my SA know that she can keep the books until next week when she is finished with her Bear Themed lessons. Overall, I am glad the pacing of activities and engagement of student’s interest was much more sustained than my very first lesson on a SEL Story about sadness!  My goal this time around was to design activities that use the students’ funds of knowledge on what they know about bears!

Reflection on Teaching

• I do understand there were some calling outs during the video clip viewing or when I posed a question, but I did not pause to correct them as they were on topic and just a bit more engaged then I expected. I should definitely take their interest level into consideration and allow more opportunities and time to do a more in-depth pair-share or class-share for future activities, especially when they are so engaged. (E.g. Perhaps….even something short and brief: “I hear you have so much ideas, quickly, turn to your partner, and share you ideas quickly!”)
• Classroom Design: How do I ensure I can have constant access to monitor all students? How do I situate myself despite the kids’ built-in routine of bringing their work up to the rainbow table which is situated at the very back of the class while some are playing with tubs in the front? In terms of the long practicum, I definitely have to give it more thought and research into what fits with this group of kids and how can I use the physical classroom environment to my advantage?
• Assessment: I am still not quite sure how do I set a measurable lesson learning objective? How do I actually know for certain that I know the student have achieved it? What is their evidence of learning, and does it match up to the lesson learning objective? What do I want the students to understand? AND, WHY?
• Inquiry: How do I extend this lesson? While each student came up to me at the rainbow table, I asked them about what they had created. From each of  their story, I definitely can take what they wonder about bears and take that exploration further in depth.
• Video Clip: too quick, lots of information to take in, fun, the tune is great! If I were to use clips so info-packed as this, I definitely should realize that I can always pause and elaborate or even prep the students in advance what details to look for, such as, colours of fur, facial features…etc..
• I didn’t want to limit the students to which bears they want to depict or what they can use to represent it. I did provide a slight framework of using a bear template, glue sticks, wax crayon, and oil pastels. I did show a visual musical clips that introduced all 8 bears. Also, I showed an art  demo of what the three bears in Canada would look like. And, off they went onto their creations! I did give suggestions on using the already sorted white, black, or brown wax crayon or oil pastels. Some students did venture off into grabbing markers, I didn’t impede on their choice as my learning objective this time around was not on techniques. Perhaps, I can set stroke, brushing, shading techniques as an objective for future arts lessons. One thing I forgot was taking a photo of their finished product.

Looking forward to the Teddy Bear Picnic this Thursday as a closing activity to conclude the Bear Themed Unit.