Amanda's Blog

This week’s module focused on Social Studies and how it is broken down into 5 strands (Civics and Government, Economics, Geography, History, and World History). Within those five strands are themes that can relate to any of the strands of social studies. 

One specific strand I would like to talk about is History.  History is a record of events that have happened in our past.  These events are documented to allow us to know their importance and how they have changed the way people live today. Some of the sources we learn from would include documents, people, or objects from the actual time.  Gaining knowledge about the past allows us to understand about the people and events that shaped the world we live in today. 

One theme I would focus on is time, continuity, and change. I find historical events, people, and objects intriguing.  Being able to learn about the way people lived before us is incredible. Today’s world has changed dramatically, so to be able to share with students how our ancestors lived, opens their eyes to a whole other way of living.

I have developed my pre-assessments for my lessons, which consists of a KWL charts. This will allow me to write down each student’s response to what they Know, Want to Know, and what they have Learned about each community helper. I have also been busy creating presentations in Google Slides on each community helper. I have guest speakers, a video chat, and a mini field trip lined up for the kids as well. I am extremely excited to teach this unit to the 1st graders in my school! I hope to keep them engaged and excited to learn about the different people in our community!

Today I was informed of my dream job at my favorite local school. A school where I hope to have my children attend in the near future (I was hoping they would start out there). A special educator position for grades K-6 will be available at the school starting next school year. I have completed all of my Special Education courses, but I still don’t feel ready! I have been told by my mentors that no one enters a position knowing everything! Some things you need to learn by simply doing it yourself. This is my passion and something I really enjoy doing!

Sometimes I worry about how I will ever make a years worth of lesson plans or manage classroom behaviors. I am very excited to be an educator but sometimes I wonder if I will be able to do it!! Is this normal among educators starting out?

This week I started a course called Using Technology to Teach Social Studies.  I will be creating 10 lessons (2 mini units) to teach to a 1st grade class and a 2nd grade class. The focus of my lessons will be community helpers. One thing I am nervous about is being observed 3 times! I get nervous when I am being watched, but I am looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and getting over the fear. 🙂

Welcome to my first blog! I am excited to create a space where I can share my learning experiences.