Standard 4 Instructional Strategies

Title: Weekly Lesson Plan for ELA Activities

Date: Fall 2015

Artifact Description: The following artifact is a lesson plan that I utilized as a part of my
practicum hours. This weekly lesson plan was created to organize and prepare for a day,
and was utilized to guide instruction during the ELA block for an individual student in 2nd
grade who is identified with a significant learning disability. This student has trouble
attending and thrives with consistent routine and engaging activities. This weekly lesson
plan demonstrates the utilization of different styles of instruction to support the daily
objectives.

ALIGNMENT
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment
This artifact best aligns with standard four of the Wisconsin Teacher Development and
Licensure Standards which states: The teacher understands and uses a variety of
instructional strategies to encourage students development of critical thinking, problem
solving, and performance standards. This artifact aligns with standard four because of the
inclusion and promotion of a variety of activities that incorporate the various kinds of
learning and needs of a student. Each part of the lesson plan contains many ideas and
possible areas of focus. Through the consideration of the different styles of learning and the
incorporation of various activity possibilities, I allowed for flexibility in my instruction and
in my role as an instructor. Flexibility is needed in case changes need to be made to adapt
to the needs, responses, and ideas of the students. By doing so, the students become more
engaged in active learning as the lessons are modified to meet the needs of the class. This
promotes the development of critical thinking and problem solving which is critical to the
formation of valuable discussion and reflection.

UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement

Alignment
I believe this experience best aligns with KSD3.e. of the UW-Platteville School of Education
Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition Statements which states: The candidate has the ability
to make appropriate adjustments to his/her instruction and accommodates students
questions and interests while being aware of student differences and difficulties, and can
use a wide range of resources and strategies to meet all students needs in the classroom.
This experience aligns with this standard because in my lesson plan, I thoughtfully
considered and decided on activities and concepts that would apply to a variety of different
styles of learning and instruction. I utilized different strategies dependent on the needs of
the student to assist the student in attending to the content and meeting their individual
goals. Each activity also encompasses different mediums and resources to suite needs of
the student. By using a variation of mediums and resources, the student is able to grasp the
concept on multiple levels, allowing for a deeper understanding of the central idea.
Secondary Alignment
KS1.e. Designs Coherent Instruction
KS3.a. Communicates Clearly and Accurately
KS3.c. Engages Students In Learning

Reflection
What I learned about teaching/learning:
I learned that it is important to be able flexible in styles of instruction and activities in
order to meet the needs of the student. As a teacher, it is critical to be flexible and prepared
for many different outcomes. It is essential for a teacher to be able to assess student
progress, recognize where changes could be made, and then effectively make those changes
necessary to enhance the understanding of the student. It is important for teachers to use
their resources to their advantage as well. This lesson plan was organized to provide a
variety in daily activities being one basic plan that can be applied to multiple days. Each
activity utilized different instructional strategies and allowed for students to be able to
learn in a way that works best for them. Lesson plans that are designed to be all
encompassing help to reach students as a part of a multi-sensory approach.

What I learned about myself as a prospective educator:

I have learned the significance in preparation as an educator. As an educator, I make sure to
continuously assess my students and track their progress. This is helpful in guiding
instruction and when designing lesson plans. I am able to refer to their progress and my
notes to create lesson plans that are specific to the needs of the students. Through the
utilization of different techniques of instruction and a variation in explanation, I feel I have
a higher probability of accommodating the individual needs of the students. It is important
to me that I am able to understand my students needs. By accommodating to their needs, I
feel it helps forge a relationship and trust that only stands to increase the likelihood of their
success. Student success will mean that I have succeeded in my role as an educator. It will
always be important to me to reflect on my successes and other experiences in order to
better myself as an educator for myself and for future students.