Reflection #12

Well this week was spent in preparation for our teaching on Thursday. On Tuesday we used the class time to finalize our teaching lesson, choose videos to show, and make a couple of example balloon cars. I was a little surprised that we were able to decide on our lesson topics so easily, knowing some of the personalities of our group. But I was really impressed with how well we all worked together.

Thursday we got the final touches ready for our lesson and then went to Rocky Mountain Elementary to teach the sixth grade class. I was extremely surprised that I was able to collect enough water bottle lids (over 150) for the activity, but it was just the right amount. Carissa and Rachel made sugar cookies for the anticipatory set, Corina prepared a few of the principle of assembly lines to teach to the class, Rachel shared a 5 minute history of the first assembly line for Henry Ford, Carissa prepared the worksheets, and I collected all of the materials required for the balloon car activity, prepared the instructions, and introduced and ran the activity. Once again I was impressed with how well the group worked together and split up the task.

When we arived in the classroom it was surprising to hear how excited these kids were to have us back. For some reason they love the BYU students. Just like I thought I had plenty of comments on my diaper boxes... but thats ok. I was also very surprised at how smart the sixth graders are. Rachel asked a question about supply and demand during her history section and one of the students very confidently raised his hand and gave the perfect answer about the economics of it all. So up until this point everything had gone to plan, in fact I can't really think of many things that we should have changed at all except for one part during my part of the lesson.

I first explained what we were making and then split them into groups. Then passed out the diaper boxes of materials and explained they would have 5 minutes to organize it all and create their own assembly line. It was after the 5 minute planning period that I wish I could have back. I hadn't thought about the fact before hand that the students would not stop to listen to the next set of instructions with everything in front of them. Really all I wanted to say was "go" but the whole classroom manangement thing didn't happen. Luckily I am a quick learner and was able to get the classes attention after the building time was up by flashing the lights and having each kid hold their hands above their heads until the blood ran out.

Overall I really was impressed with how well our lesson went. I thought we were well prepared and I thought the kids loved the activity. Even though most groups did not have the greatest assembly line they seemed to understand the importance of them. So great job group.