Here's why it didn't work.
- Unclear Instructions - During one of my learning activities there were many many things that needed to be accomplished. In my lesson plan I have written down all the things I must say for the students and write down on the board as an agenda for them to follow. I didn't do any of this. And it was very nearly anarchy in my classroom. I said "iPod" their eyes bugged out and their ears turned off.
- Teacher Autopilot - I'm going to pretend this is a thing. Because I definitely have it. I had today's lesson so well planned. I really try to understand the behavioural issues within my classroom, and I do understand that these students really need structure and routine. My lesson plan reflects that. My lesson execution did not. Because I felt a little rushed for time, I blew through (or omitted entirely) most of my instructions to the kids in hopes of giving them more time to work. It didn't work out...at all.
- A Lack of Differentiation - Again, I really try to understand the goings on with my students, and I did have in mind exactly which of these students would have more difficulty with this lesson. However, when the "autopilot" hit, my ability to observe and assist seemed to dwindle.
Here's my lesson from today...
- Checklist to Prohibit Autopilot - I find that my brain gets lost in the boxes of my lesson plans. I know what's in there but with a quick glance I cannot comprehend any of it. My hope is that this checklist (that I will do my best to literally check off) will help me keep track of a) where I am in the lesson b) the important details and instructions that I need to emphasize
- Differentiation - I was very intentional with where I placed differentiation, and I have a plan for students who are ahead or behind. I'm hoping that the fact that I have thought this through will help it come more naturally tomorrow.
- Fewer Tasks, More Instructions - Part of the problem with today's lesson was that I tried to squeeze too many things into one lesson. Tomorrow's lesson is streamlined quite a bit, emphasizing the main points and skills that I am trying to develop with the skills.
Here's the plan for tomorrow's lesson. I'll let you know how it goes!!