Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Observation: Compare and Contrast

Yesterday was my first announced observation!  Overall, I felt that it went well.  I was observed during my morning first grade class.  I started the lesson by reviewing what we talked about last week and focusing in on the element of character.  I then told them that we would be comparing and contrasting two characters in the book Miss Nelson is Missing.  To introduce the skill of compare and contrast, I created a power point.  To illustrate comparing and contrasting, we used oranges and bananas.  After comparing/contrasting the fruit, we watched a short You tube video about the skill.  Then, I read them the book Miss Nelson is Missing.  I questioned them throughout the story and encouraged higher order thinking.  At the end, we completed a Venn diagram together to compare/contrast Miss Nelson and Miss Viola Swamp.  Then, I sent them to their tables to complete an activity as a group.  They compared a football and a basketball using cards that I had previously made with descriptive words for each. I also included blank cards to encourage independent thinking. To close, I reviewed the skill, and each table had to answer an exit question before they could line up to go back to class.


1.  What could I have done differently?
     I would have liked to include an exit ticket for individuals so I know who really got it and who still needs help, but I was really pressed for time.

2.  How do other librarians teach this skill?
    Some of the librarians in my district use an "H" instead of a Venn diagram.  They also made suggestions of comparing books to short you tube videos.

3.  Would I reuse this lesson?
Definitely!  The kids really seemed to get into the activity, and they LOVED the book.  Surprisingly, they had never heard it before!

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