The biggest thing I have noticed this week is the positive effects teacher planning has on student learning. By that I mean I have noticed how much more effective my teaching is, especially in math, when I have had the time to look over the material before teaching than when I just look over the material before the school day begins. This fact has come to my attention this week because I am currently teaching unit 3 of Everyday Math as part of my GLT, but I also taught most of unit 2 and thinking back on the experience of teaching unit 2 and comparing it to my experiences now teaching unit 3, I can see the importance of being prepared and familiar with the information. It is enjoyable to see the students begin to understand the concepts and for me to not feel flustered when students ask questions as I teach unit 3. It was not as enjoyable of an experience teaching unit 2 because I did not have the extensive prep time as I have with unit 3.
I have always known that preparing, in terms of knowing the material yourself, anticipating student questions, and anticipating the time it will take students to grasp the concept being taught, was important. However, being able to experience the difference for myself and seeing the difference in the speed at which my students understand the concepts, really solidified for me the importance of complete preparation. I am glad that I was able to have both experiences to know that it is not impossible to teach unprepared, but more learning takes place when prepared instruction is presented.
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