Here is another early photo I found of a display from my first few years of teaching.
This was from the Summer term when we studied the Life cycle of a plant.
My ultimate favourite lesson was that on Methods of Seed dispersal.
The lettering was made out of black lettering which was stuck to folded clear thick plastic which was stapled only one side down (packaging- recycling as always!) with rice stuck on as if the letters were seeds dispersing in the wind- as you can see the folded plastic has led the letters to stand at different heights.
I had collected together a beautiful set of various seed cases, pods of many different types, carefully preserved in cases which I distributed amongst the tables- Teasel, burrs, bean pods, acorns, pine cones, sycamore keys, chestnuts, conkers, coconuts and many more.... After being taught identification clues for methods of seed dispersal, the children carefully sketched the seeds in pastels on black paper which they then had to write with details of the method of seed dispersal next to it. On a separate sheet, they had to give reasons as a back up. It was a nice mixture of Science and Art which made a really pretty display. I do wonder if year 5 still use my seed collection or if they got binned like many things do. I even sacrificed a few duplicate seed to be stuck onto the display.
I never forget that when OFSTED came to our school for the second time, the day before they unexpectedly arrived, I had actually got this very lesson (with a later class) ready for my termly observation. It was meticulously planned. But alas, the call from OFSTED came at lunchtime and the observation was cancelled. I carried on teaching it but I was sad that I would not be able to get it observed. Luckily, a teacher in the other year 5 class was coming back from maternity leave for the first day of OFSTED (bad timing eh?) and her class hadn't done this lesson yet so I passed on my detailed lesson plan, resources and seeds etc to her and luck of luck, OFSTED came in as she was teaching this very lesson. They were very impressed with her planning, resources etc and asked if she was the Science Coordinator. I'll never know if that was down to my planning, her teaching or a combination of the two, but I like to think I had a hand in her getting such a compliment.
I, on the other hand,was teaching Music the day OFSTED came and got observed twice in one day with separate classes, first and last lesson. Some of my colleagues have never been observed in the 3 OFSTEDs we have had, but I have been observed every time. Sigh.
Before I became a teacher I had NO IDEA how scrutinizing observations and evaluations could be and I was surprised that even veteran teachers were scared to death!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Kezzie. I'm so glad that your seed display teaching tool got observed with great interest and I hope the teacher gave you some credit.
ReplyDeleteI for one know you are a first class teacher because you put so much of your creativity and genuine interest in your teaching. I wish I had a teacher like you when was young... and I'm not just saying that frivolously. I mean it.
Hugs, Julia
Observations can be so stressful so it is great that you were able to help up a fellow teacher by giving her the prepared lesson plan and notes. Shame you weren't observed since you've already prepared for it, but I can imagine it must have been so helpful for her (the fellow teacher) especially since it was her class after maternity leave and one to be observed at that. You probably helped her out a lot! It is great she was complemented on it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative approach to teaching the children. My son would have loved it- he had some very inspiring teachers for which I'm very grateful.
ReplyDeleteArilx
My "best" OFSTED observation for a lesson was a history one. We knew a wonderful historical enactor, who came into school and worked with the kids with real aretefacts etyc. He said to us "when you know the week of your inspection, let me know & I'll fit you in." So we called him up as soon as we knew. As Head of Year Group, I did a 2 minute introduction to Steve, and then handed over to him...for all day! And I got a "Very Good" remark! Considering it was my colleague who had done most of the organising I felt a bit guilty about that!
ReplyDeleteI like the way the letters being at different heights makes it look like they, too, are being dispersed by the wind :-D
ReplyDeleteBy the way, do I remember correctly that you like Alexander McCall-Smith and if so would you like "The Dog Who Came in from the Cold" if you haven't already read it? I wasn't all that enamoured by it so it needs to go and make room on my bookcase :-)
I'm impressed by your creativity, and how much thought and effort you put into this display. I'm sure you're the most wonderful and inspiring teacher, Kezzie! xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a huge amount of planning and care was put into this subject, I'm sure your fellow teacher also greatly appreciated that!
ReplyDeleteLove the columns on your other display. Things like this really help to give a flourish to a subject and I really do think they help the children remember the things they have learned.
Lisa x
I enjoyed reading your post, I also enlarged your photograph.
ReplyDeleteSo much work was put in, well done.
All the best Jan
I am sure you had a hand on her compliment, Kezzie! Oh, and you got observed every time... it may be a burden, but I am sure that you don't fear it, since you are an excellent teacher. It's just a bit uncomfortable to have an outsider in the classroom, I guess. I never thought of seeds dispersal, that seems to be very interesting! I enlarged the picture and had a better idea of that! Hope you have a lovely week! Hugs!
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