Planning Curriculum and Instruction
My curriculum planning for the year begins by getting to know the students and families that I work with. I have each student complete an informational sheet that helps me get to know them better. I also send home a form to each parent to complete. I feel that this not only helps me get to know the students better, but also opens lines of communication that are critical as the year goes on.
Another way that I get to know the students at the beginning of the year is by completing a variety of informal assessments as well as reviewing their previously completed formal assessments. I continue to use informal assessments throughout the year to guide my teaching. The following is a portion of an assement that I have given as a mid-year evaluation for my langauge arts class.
As I plan each lesson, I consider the learning needs of each of my students as well as the curriculum frameworks. You can see an example of one of my lesson plans below.
Another area that I believe has helped my curriculum planning and instruction tremendously is drawing on other teachers and faculty as resources. I have been commended in this area in my evaluations and continue to consider my fellow collegues my most important teaching resource. I have invited other teachers to come and observe my classroom and believe this is an important practice for all schools. I think it is vital for the school to work together as a community to severe the needs of each student.