Marisa Sanchez

At 133 PM
Professor Ward
5 November 2015
Big Idea: Structures and Systems
As indicated above, the Big Idea of Unit 5 was, indeed, Structures and Systems. As a future
educator, it is easy to see how important both structure and systems are when working with
children in a classroom. Without structure, a classroom would have no order. Without systems,
there would be no connection. Structures, such as a well-developed lesson plan, set up students
for success; regardless if they acknowledge or appreciate the amount of effort and time that an
educator put into creating one. In this unit, my peers and I were officially assigned our Lesson
Plan assignment. Our final lesson plans will incorporate both structure and systems. Systems,
such as individuals or small groups working together to create a larger outcome, will be helpful,
and necessary when creating and organizing our lesson plan, for both the students and the
educator. Reflecting the Big Idea, our studio projects were all partnership or group oriented,
requiring students to work together to create a collaborated outcome.
As my career as an educator becomes more in reach, it is now more important than ever to
take the information provided to us seriously. This unit, Professor Ward shared many helpful tips
which she uses when creating lesson plans or instructing a class room. I found it to be very
helpful and I will most definitely keep these in mind in the near future as I begin my career.
Reflecting back on my elementary years, I remember how much my classmates and I enjoyed
group work and art projects. Teamwork gives students a sense of purpose and worth, which is
crucial at a young age. I realize that too much group activity is not very practical, therefor as an
educator I will try to find a balance between individually study and group activities. Overall, this
unit was very helpful and applicable.