Department of Teacher Education & Learning Sciences

Elementary Education Program

Pre-Observation Form

Directions: This form is to be completed prior to every lesson that will be observed by the mentor
teacher or university supervisor. It is to be submitted no later than 3 business days prior to the actual
observation along with your lesson plans.

Name: Ashley Holland Date: 10/21/2017

1. What is the topic of your lesson?

The topic of my lesson is Veterans Day and why we celebrate it in the United
States.

2. Why are you teaching this lesson? What is your rationale for teaching it?
I am teaching this lesson because it adheres to the Social Studies standard
1.H.1.3 Explain why national holidays are celebrated. This lesson will be taught
two days prior to this holiday. I am also integrating visual arts into the lesson to
implement a lesson with arts integration for ELM 450.

3. What is your Teaching Behavior Focus? Why did you choose this?
My Teaching Behavior Focus is Lesson and Unit Planning and Presentation. I
chose this because my first formally observed lesson focused on classroom
environment and this was the second area that I wanted to have observed. I want
to work on my wait time after asking questions as well as exemplifying effective
classroom management and directions since there will only be 30-40 minutes to
get through everything. I also decided to assess students prior knowledge before
the lesson and drafted various questions throughout the lesson that will cause
students to really think since they are not yes/no questions. I also believe the
read aloud and quick draw activity will keep all students engaged and allow them
to show mastery of the learning outcomes.

4. Why did you design your instruction in this lesson the way that you did? Why did
you choose this way of teaching the lesson (e.g., Was the idea from a methods
course? From your mentor teacher? Another source?)
I designed my instruction in this lesson that way that I did because of the NC
State Formal Lesson Plan order but also because the structure of most arts
integrated lessons that weve discussed in ELM 450 have been designed this
way. By beginning with a hook, students are excited for the lesson. The quick
draw activity integrates visual arts and also displays students prior knowledge
and what remains to be learned. I then employ a read aloud that will expand
students knowledge of veterans while also engaging all students, regardless of
reading levels. Interpersonal interaction is also embedded through turn and talks
and whole group discussions. I also took note from my mentor teacher since the
majority of instruction is presented on the carpet where all students can see and
 have minimal distractions.

5. As you are thinking through this lesson, what do you believe will be the most
challenging part of this lesson for you when you teach it? Why?
I believe the most challenging part of this lesson will be getting through
everything in the allotted time. Thirty to forty minutes isnt a long time, so I will
have to be extremely mindful of time when teaching this lesson. I will also have to
make sure transitions are quick.

6. How will you know if your learning outcomes for the students are met
successfully?
I will know my learning outcomes for the students are met successfully when
each student can define what a veteran is, identify when Veterans Day is
celebrated, and explain why we celebrate Veterans Day. Their pictures will
illustrate their definitions of a veteran and our discussions will demonstrate the
last two outcomes.

7. How will your classroom management support the learning outcomes?

Classroom management supports the learning outcomes by having supply crates
at each table group for students to pull from when drawing what a veteran is. The
transition chimes will also signal to students that its time to cease drawing and
come to the carpet to begin the read aloud. Having students at the carpet
exhibiting carpet behavior will allow us to get through the read aloud and have
fruitful discussions. If students do get chatty, Give Me 5 or countdown will allow
me to get attention back.

8. List 1-3 areas which you would like for your observer to pay particular attention.
Why do you want your observer to focus on these areas?
1. Time management I really want to make sure I get through everything
before the end of the allotted time. I realized with my edTPA lessons that I
tended to go over on time, so I want to work on staying within my time
parameters.
2. Behavior management I really want to work on addressing behavior in an
effective fashion. I feel that sometimes I address a behavior, but the student
may not take me seriously. Thus, if problem behavior (ex. Talking while Im
talking, putting hands on someone else) arises, I want to practice handling it
quickly and effectively.

9. Is there anything else you would like your observer to know before the
observation?
I think the students will really enjoy this lesson and Im excited to see what they
already know about veterans and Veterans Day.