Michelle Perry

Hello all! Thinking maps are a great way to bring information together for those who are visual or a student that needs information broken down in a different manner.  I really liked the bridge map choice but I think if I add too much to the map, I may get confused but that is me.  It seemed as though most any subject could be used in creating a bridge map and help to keep information organized.  I am not sure if I would utilize this method in an elementary classroom, I think there would be too much drawing for some of the students and less learning.  Just a thought after observing the last few weeks, I could be oh so wrong though.  :-)

During this assignment for our blog post I had to stop myself from watching more videos and writing about them, I absolutely loved this particular bit of information and will be looking to purchase the book Teach Like a Champion .  I have been in my field experience classroom for just over a week now and a lot of the information that my cooperating teacher does follows along with the information from these videos.  I think there is a lot more to learn about lesson plans but there is so much to learn as to what not to do in the lessons as well.  Video # 1 Teach Like a Champion 2.0  - Wanting to make the book Teach Like a Champion a better book by the notes taken from teachers and the students that can make teachers better for the students.  This is a way to work with teachers to make better teachers; it is all about working together to make everyone better! Video # 2 Technique 1 No Opt Out - Not allowing the students to get out of something they "don't ...

I think the biggest portion of class that stuck with me was during the video when Mr. McTighe stated that we should not worry about all the "extra" mumbo-jumbo that falls within teaching to a test.  (not his exact words but close :-))  The main point was that teachers should not worry about all the unnecessary information that is added to lesson plans but to teach the "meat and potatoes" of a lesson.  Teachers are so worried about teaching to a test or trying to make a subject fun that they loose sight of teaching the students.  Yes, the lesson should be fun and tests should not be the end result...ensuring the students retain the information being presented.  Focus on the students and everyone will win!