Reflection+-+Alliteration

LESSON SET #1 REFLECTION

 This was my first lesson plan set and my first lesson written after a year. The hardest part was finding an appropriate book. I wanted to find the perfect book for my interactive read-aloud because I wanted to make a great first impression and engage the 5th graders on my first day. When I read the book to the first set of students, I stopped at all the key points I had identified in my lesson plan, but the students did not follow "the script." I spent a lot of time redirecting students back to the book. I realized when I was finished that there were too many stopping points so the students weren't given the opportunity to stay engaged with the book.

 I read the book to the second set of students later in the day; this time eliminating half of the stops. This time the interactive read-aloud went smoothly. The time I spent planning payed off the second time because I was able to modify my lesson and still have it be a success. I was pleased that the two lessons unfolded the way they did because they served as a quick reminder to plan effectively and then to trust in that preparation enough to stay present in the moment so that you can alter the plan as needed.