Planning/Teaching/Reflecting
 

 I taught my math lesson on patterns and relationships. For this lesson, I reviewed what the students already learned about patterns. Some things that they had already studied about patterns included the calendar and the chain they created for Christmas. The easiest pattern that they learned previous to my lesson was ABAB. We reviewed this using unifix cubes to illustrate the pattern. This part of the lesson went very well and I had a very good feeling that each child understood this pattern. After checking for understanding, I went on to explain other patterns and explain that patterns always repeat. I modeled new patterns such as ABBABB and AABAAB and told them to make these patterns using the cubes. I used extra materials to demonstrate patterns (ex. Shapes) as well. Near the end of the lesson, the children were to come up with their own new pattern that they would use to color stripes on a stocking. When they had a new pattern laid out  with the unifix cubes, they went to their seats and colored the pattern on the stocking worksheets .  From looking at the worksheets, I could tell that each child understood patterns. However, I did not have time to completely finish what I wanted to do with the lesson such as follow up questions, etc. So I planned with the teacher to finish the next day and review patterns to start math. The only thing I would have done differently with the lesson is plan my time better. I think that is one of the hardest things to do as a teacher. It’s always hard to tell exactly how long a lesson will be. I did a lot of modeling because children at this age need it to learn. Overall, I feel good about the lesson and I feel that it was good for this age group.