Shannon Murphy

Observation Notes-1st Grade Math

9/4/18
12:45

Based on Danielson Framework

Domain 1: Planning and Preparation (content knowledge, knowledge of students, knowledge of

standards, goal setting)

1a Demonstrating Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy

Lesson and content were based on the district math curriculum I Ready. You linked current learning to
previous learning, “Remind me of what we did in math last week.” Students responded and you
connected the lesson to their responses.

1c Setting instructional outcomes

A teacher friendly lesson plan was in place for the math lesson. Outcomes aligned to state and district
standards for lst grade math: addition using appropriate 1st grade math strategies.

1d Demonstrating knowledge of resources

You used technology to project pages in the math workbook as you modeled how to work thru a
problem...

As we debriefed we discussed utilizing the document camera as a resource for projecting student work as
students shared different strategies they used to solve problems.

Domain 2: Classroom Environment (mutual respect, culture for learning, managing procedures,
managing behavior, safety)

2a Creating an environment of respect and rapport

Your body language was warm and caring which is especially important for young learners. Your voice
was calm and steady and I noticed lots of smiles, not only from you, but also from your learners.

2c Managing classroom procedures

Routines functioned smoothly and transition time was efficient and allowed students to move from their
desks briefly.

Since this was the first time students had used their math workbooks, you had them tear out
unnecessary pages and put them in the Recycle Bin, “Everyone, tear out the first page, set it on your
desk, and tear out the next page. . . .Now, please put them in the Recycle Bin.” This took only 3 minutes
and students were back in their desks for additional instructions.

2d Managing Student Behavior

There were no student misbehaviors during the lesson I observed. I noticed that you appear to be very
tuned in to what’s happening in the classroom—you were constantly monitoring with your eyes and
moving about.
Domain 3: Instruction (communication skills, questioning/discussion techniques, student engagement,
feedback, responsiveness

3a Communicating with Students

Your multi-step directions were clear and delivered step by step, not all at once. You explained content
carefully, connecting students to previous learning, “Remind me of what we did in math last week.”

You modeled one of the math problems by having 3 boys and 2 girls come to the front: “When you look
at these 2 groups, how would you add them all together?”

During reflection, we discussed the importance of using visuals to add to the verbal instruction and
brainstorming. As students were brainstorming the different strategies that they could use to solve
problems (tally marks, ten frames, circles, pictures, counting), consider writing examples on the board for
them to refer to as they choose a strategy to use. We also discussed writing a number sentence for each
problem solved. It connects the equation to the problem and the one word answer.

3b Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques

You partnered students in pairs and triads and told students, “Turn to your partner and tell them what
strategy (math) you used to solve the problem.” Giving students opportunities to share with each other
solidifies the learning and also gives students opportunities to learn from their peers.

Thanks for letting me come in on such short notice, Shannon. Your lesson delivery was impressive and
at a level that connected with your students. I am also impressed by your comfort level with first
graders and your teacher instincts. Keep up the good work