Reflective Commentary for Unit Plan Anton Gerth

How did you develop ideas?

I learned from the feedback given to me on my Yearlong Plan and analyze the opportunities that I
had. I implemented Smagorinskys backward planning and considered how I could implement it
within my entire Unit Plan. I had already determined by summative assessment and I had an
ending that I just needed to scaffold towards. I wanted to incorporate reading and writing
activities, but I wanted to reserve class time to complete these activities. I looked to incorporate
as activities that I saw as being beneficial to student comprehension and that could help the
students with completing their summative assessment.

How did you make decisions as you planned?

At the beginning stages I knew I wanted to have a consistent entrance routine. This allows there
not to be wasted time with students not knowing what to do when they enter. They are given
time to settle down and it also gives me a good segue into the lesson. I also needed to reserve
time at the end to clarify questions and prepare students for the next day. This added closure. I
wanted my activities to normally never exceed 20 minutes as students tend to get restless and
unproductive. I created a specific schedule and looked at how the activities that I knew could
help build the comprehension of the students and aid scaffold learning. I wanted students to be
aware of their summative assessment for the unit so that all of our activities could be towards
best understanding the text that is used for their trailer or short film.

How did you address questions including lingering questions?

After I created a template using the rubrics that were reviewed in class I had a specific section
that was dedicated to questions that I had. These questions were than posed to practically anyone
that would listen. I mainly inquired within my grade PLC about concerns I had that brought
about lingering questions. The last day of class I workshopped with Paul Binkley and we went
into deep analysis of choices I was making and the concerns and effects that those might bring
about. Any other lingering question I left for myself as a note in hopes that I would be able to
better understand or answer by facilitating the lesson. One or two questions also depended on
seeking advice from the school counselor and administration where I am teaching.

How do you think this unit plan will play out in the classroom?
Compared to what I had initially aspired to cover within this class I think this will be a fun unit
to explore with my class. I wanted this to initially be covered when Halloween occurred as I felt

the mystery and horror genre would be fun based on the mood; however my timing did not work
compared to the other units. I might look to shift this in the future. I think students will enjoy
the material and will have familiarity with the material, which should make it easier to
understand and critically analyze. Because of the amount of violence I have concerns about
parents reactions, but I feel that if I have support from my administration and proper rationales I
will be good with not need to change anything. There are many aspects that students may not
connect with due to the work being 150 years old. It is also entirely written by a white, dead
male which will be important in me considering the audience of the class.
Anything else you want to share?
The assignment gave me difficulties, but I feel it is a great representation and reflection of my
understanding of the material in Methods. The Unit Plan and Yearlong Plan grant me the feeling
that I will be successful and ready once I enter the classroom. I feel that I have been given the
tools to create a detailed Unit Plan and can conference and present my decisions to a colleague,
administration, or a parent. I enjoyed creating the Unit Plan and it I feel it will engage the
students and help their education process and meeting the Common Core State Standards.