September 16, 2009
My observation was of Mrs. Connie Barr's First grade ELL class. When I walked in, the children were siting at their desks completing a do now assignment. I was able to observe her teach a small group lesson at a table, while the other students worked quietly at their desks.The small group consisted of five children and it was teacher directed.
At the small group table, the lesson was on identifying beginning letter sounds. Mrs. Barrs handed out a sheet to each student with several different icons on it and letter sticky notes.T he lesson consisted of listening for the picture icon word and then finding the correct beginning letter sound sticky note to place on top of the icon. The teacher had mentioned that this lesson was a review.
I observed children listening carefully to her directions and they for the most part were able to find the correct beginning letter-sound. There was one student who was having difficulty placing the right beginning letter sound on the icons. The teacher was able to guide the child through it , until the student was able to make the right corrections herself.
My first thoughts regarding the observation of this group was how disciplined and focused the children were during the lesson. The classroom was accepting and welcoming by the way the teacher and children greeted me as I entered the room,as well as the classical music playing in the background, which made the classroom ambiance feel safe, nurturing and tranquil. The classroom did display evidence of community, by the way the children cooperated with their teacher and with one another. I saw one child direct another child to a center and one help the other one find a pencil that was on the floor.
The teacher was very firm, but loving when speaking with the children and her directions were very clear.
My overall experience in observing this lesson was a positive one, it was good for me to observe what children are doing in first grade ELL, especially since I have taught Kindergarten ELL for over 2 years.
