I did it!!!

So, do you remember when I said I was going to the fifth grade class to do a teaching lesson? Well I did it and it was a success. I was completely nervous, having being in front of a age group that I was not use too, but once I got in the flow of things-- I was off!

The teacher, Ms. Unferth, was very supportive in helping me to prepare my lesson. She wanted me to do a lesson on the American Revolutionist Patrick Henry. Of course, I had to refresh my memory on the events that lead up to the war and the role Patrick Henry played with in it. I had to seriously, "know the content (standard 3)" I was going to teach so I would not make a fool of myself. Most importantly, I did not want to confuse the students from what their teacher had already told them.
During my observation, Ms. Unferth provided me with handouts and her teacher resource website (password and login). She told me the suggested learning targets of the lesson.  From there, I conducted my own research, lesson plan, notes, and formulated a mini presentation introducing Patrick Henry on Google Slides.

Yes. You heard me right. I used GOOGLE SLIDES!!!  (Standard 4- teachers facilitate learning for their students; B and C)

When it was time to teach, I didnt believe I that I did as wonderful as I know I can do. My lesson plan was full of things that I could say to make the subject relate-able, different approaches-- basically I over planned (the words of Ms. Unferth), which I learned later was common for most teachers. Most important;y, the students were wonderful listeners. They were engaged during my lesson. They gave me deep, meaningful conversation. They enjoyed their learning tasks within the lesson. They had fun reciting part of the famous speech "Give me liberty, or Give me Death!"-- this was hilarious.
When I was finished, Ms. Unferth was amazed at how energetic I was. She said me being excited about social studies made them excited about learning it.
She also liked that I connect Patrick Henry to being a politician-- something the students can relate to with the upcoming election coming up. She found many highlights within my lesson that made me feel much better than what I had thought took place.


All in all, it went wonderfully. I enjoyed experiencing teaching through a different perspective and a completely different age group. But now it is time to get back to my preschool age babies and prepare for my future LOWER elementary students!!!