Educators understand and apply knowledge of student growth and development.
I believe that, out of all the units I designed for the 491 practicum, my unit on Text-to-Self Connections prompted the most growth and development among learners. Beginning the unit with only pictures allowed students to enter discussions without feeling pressured about reading level. Even my Coaching Teacher said she would start her Connections units like this in the future. The lesson plan I have chosen to share is from the day we finished reading “Enemy Pie” and students thought of ways they have started out not liking someone only to become friends in the end. It was a beautiful experience hearing those connections!
