Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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CONTENTS
1. Context and content for learning .......................................................................................... 3
1A. My Learners ...................................................................................................................... 3
1B. The learning context ......................................................................................................... 4
1C. Content for the program of learning ................................................................................ 5
1D. What do your learners already know? ............................................................................. 5
1E. The learning outcomes ..................................................................................................... 6
2. The Inquiry question .............................................................................................................. 7
2A. My Inquiry question ......................................................................................................... 7
2B. My professional learning .................................................................................................. 7
3. The action plan..................................................................................................................... 11
4. Implementing my action Plan .............................................................................................. 24
5. Evaluating my practice ......................................................................................................... 30
5A. Assessing Learning.......................................................................................................... 30
5B. Evaluating the effectiveness of my practice .................................................................. 31
Evidence of other descriptors .................................................................................................. 32
*Please note evidence of meeting the Professional Standards has been indicated
throughout this document under the heading of descriptors.
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1. CONTEXT AND CONTENT FOR
LEARNING
1A. MY LEARNERS
1B. THE LEARNING CONTEXT
1C. CONTENT FOR THE PROGRAM OF LEARNING
1D. WHAT DO MY LEARNERS ALREADY KNOW?
1E. THE LEARNING OUTCOME
1A. MY LEARNERS
My classroom consists of 19 Foundation students, 9 boys and 10 girls. The class is filled with a
mixture of personalities, interests and learning styles. At the beginning of the year, most students
came into the classroom with similar learning abilities. Almost all students had limited
understanding of how to hold a pencil and use it to write. However as the year has progressed, there
is now a large variation of learning abilities across the classroom, as each student progresses at a
different pace. When it comes to writing in particular, I have noticed a dramatic difference in
students writing, as some students are still experimenting with writing forms through using strings
of letters and others are writing complete sentences by hearing and recording sounds. Therefore, for
my inquiry, I have chosen 3 students to focus on with varying ability levels when it comes to writing.
I have selected these 3 students in particular to work with because they represent the spread of
abilities within my class. Student 1, 2, and 3 represent these different abilities as one is working
above level and one is at, while the other is an EAL student, which requires me to adapt my practice
to address his learning needs. Descriptors: 1.2, 1.5
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1B. THE LEARNING CONTEXT
Student 1:
Student 1 is a high achiever and is well supported at home with her reading and writing. She likes a
challenge and needs extending during most learning tasks to ensure she is engaged in the lesson.
She is very confident and happy to take risks in her learning. Through various Common Assessments
Tasks (CATS) throughout this year, it is evident that she is working above level in literacy. Through
tracking the ongoing (Hearing and Recording Sounds) CAT, she has shown development and is
currently working above level. She shows a clear understanding of writing, by using letters and
sounds to help stretch out words and write the sounds she hears. She enjoys writing and shows
pride in her work, making sure it is neat and easy to read, by using her knowledge of basic
punctuation.
Student 2:
Student 2 strives to do his best and responds well from positive feedback. He has come a long way
from the start of the year where he could not hold a pencil or even write his name. He is now able to
write the words he knows at an appropriate size and is attempting to write the sounds he hears.
Through tracking the ongoing (Hearing and Recording Sounds) CAT, he has shown great
development and is now working at level in his writing. When provided with support and
encouragement during learning tasks, he is determined to do his best and not give up on his
learning, which has allowed him come a long way in his learning so far.
Student 3:
Student 3 is a visual learner and learns best from one-on-one support. He is an EAL learner so English
can be a challenge for him. Through encouragement to practice his English within the classroom and
further language support within the school, he has come a long way from the start of the year. He
learns best from copying letters and words. He is developing in his writing by moving away from
string letters, to writing the words he knows. Through tracking the ongoing (Hearing and Recording
Sounds) CAT, he has shown that he still needs support on developing his letter and sound
knowledge. His limited knowledge of letter sounds is making it difficult for him to progress with his
writing. However, he is a motivated student and is willing to work hard when he is provided with the
correct support.
Descriptors: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 4.1
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1C. CONTENT FOR THE PROGRAM OF LEARNING
The school uses essential learnings and the development of proficiency scales. This ensures students
experience quality learning that links to the broader curriculum. This is also an effective way to
assess students growth and development.
In identifying a number of learners within my classroom, with varying learning abilities in particular
writing. It is evident that my learners will benefit from a learning program that will address the
development of literacy. In particular addressing the ongoing essential learning of hearing and
recording sounds, as this will not only support students in writing, but will extend these students
learning in the wider curriculum.
My program of learning will span across a 4-week unit, which will explore the essential learning of
procedural writing. This unit will not only allow me to continue to address the ongoing essential
learning of hearing and recording sounds, but will require me to differentiate the learning
throughout the unit. This will ensure I address the learning needs of my students within the unit,
including the learning needs of my EAL students. I will also be incorporating aspects of ICT
throughout this unit of work. Descriptors: 2.2, 2.3, 2.5
Student 2:
On average, student 2 moves 1.0 progression points on the Proficiency Scales for most Writing
Essential Learning units, usually moving from a 2 on the scale to a 3, which is at level. He has come a
long way with his writing from the start of the year, especially with his letter formation. He is also
able to use the common words he knows correctly in his writing and is able to attempt to write the
sounds he hears in words, using his knowledge of letters and sounds.
Student 3:
On average, student 3 moves 0.5 progression points on the Proficiency Scales for most Writing
Essential Learning units. He usually moves from a 1 to a 1.5, which shows he still needs teacher
support with a lot of his writing. This is due to the student having a limited understanding of his
letter sound knowledge, which is holding him back with his writing. However, his writing has
improved from the beginning of the year and he is able to write down some of the common words
he knows and recognises, rather than just stringing letters together.
Descriptors: 5.1, 5.4
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1E. THE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Student 1:
By the end of the four-week unit, I would like to see student 1 move 1.5 progression points during
the Procedural Writing unit. To ensure this student achieves this, it will be important to extend her
during learning tasks. This will ensure she develops a clear understanding of the unit and is able to
explain her learning.
Specific Outcome: Student 1 will move 1.5 progression points during the Procedural Writing Unit.
Student 2:
During the Procedural Writing unit, I would like to see this student more 1.5 progression point. To
ensure this student achieves this, it is important that he is provided with opportunities to continue
to focus on hearing and recording sounds, to help stretch out words.
Specific Outcome: Student 2 will move 1.5 progression points during the Procedural Writing Unit.
Student 3:
Student 3 requires more enabling during units, by having visual supports and having one-on-one
support. I would like to see this student move 1.0 progression points during the Procedural Writing
unit. To ensure he achieves this, I will spend time with him, focusing on letter and sound
relationships as this will not only support him in this unit but support him in future units.
Specific Outcome: Student 3 will move 1.0 progression points during the Procedural Writing Unit.
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2. THE INQUIRY QUESTION
2A. IDENTIFYING MY INQUIRY QUESTION
2B. MY PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
2x -Professional Conversations:
Conversation #1
TALKING TO COLLEAGUES Descriptors: 6.2, 6.3
Date: August 11th, 2017
Teachers Involved: PM (Prep Classroom Teacher)
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What did you learn?
I learnt some more effective strategies and approaches I can use during a writing task to support
the varying abilities within my classroom.
How does this help you address your question for Inquiry?
This conversation helped me address my inquiry question as it has allowed me to develop some
more effective teaching strategies I can use to differentiate my writing lessons.
Conversation #2
TALKING TO COLLEAGUES
Descriptors: 6.2, 6.3
Date: August 14th, 2017
Teachers Involved: SV (Leadership Teacher, Literacy Coach)
What was discussed?
I spoke with this teacher about how I can differentiate my writing lessons to meet the needs of
my three focus children.
We discussed how I could extend Student 1, after look at her formative assessment. Some
suggested ideas included, introducing her to how to use subheading correctly, for example
heading, needs, and steps with numbers. We discussed how it will be important for her to
practice making lists using dot points or commas.
We also discussed how I could enable Student 3, which is an EAL student. Some suggestions
included just focusing on sequencing pictures/drawings rather than writing. An effective way of
doing this would be by drawing three boxes and having them draw pictures in them, in the
correct order. The student could then attempt to write simple words such as First, Then, Next. It
was also suggested that this student would need support to focus on including spaces,
continuing to write the letters he knows, and have focused time during mini lessons to continue
to work on letter sounds. It was also discussed that I should talk to the language support aid at
school in regards to how I can support an EAL learner.
How does this help you address your question for Inquiry?
This conversation has helped me think of some effective ways that I can support my focus
students during this unit of work.
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1x -Observation of a Colleague teaching:
Descriptors: 6.2, 6.3
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Descriptors: 3.3, 6.3, 6.4
Professional readings:
Differentiating Instruction and Practice: Practical Steps for Implementation, from Marzano
Research Centre, 2010.
Struggling Readers and Writers: Teaching that makes a difference, from Fountas & Pinnell
Guiding Readers and Writers, 2001.
What I have learnt and how this learning will address my inquiry question:
I have learnt through my conversations and observations that it is very important to provide
students with clear expectations. These must be different and achievable for every student
depending on where they are developmentally, in order to ensure learning is differentiated. I also
learnt how important it is to have mini lessons that have a clear focus on supporting students of
similar abilities in areas they need enabling or extending.
The readings discussed the importance of explicit teaching to help students make connections to
words and understand spelling patterns and meaning. The readings also suggested effective ways to
differentiate learning for all students, which included whole class and small group activities,
activities that are data-informed, student-focused, purposeful and productive. The Marzano reading
in particular suggested there are five important steps for providing opportunities for differentiating
instruction, these were to establish the environment, use data to inform practice, manage resources,
create routines and procedures, and to provide high-quality teaching and practice.
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3. THE ACTION PLAN
3A. MY ACTION PLAN
My action plan is to create weekly lesson plans for a unit of procedural writing to meet my inquiry question. These lesson plans will be created weekly, as it
will allow me to make adjustments each week depending on the learning that has occurred. Each week I will include extenders and enablers to allow me to
create differentiation throughout the unit. I will also include mini lessons to provide support for the varying writing abilities, as this allows me to place more
focus on the areas I feel students need extra support. The proficiency scale will allow me to assess students writing against it to make appropriate
adjustments each week to support the learning of all students.
Mind Map:
Focus on students Provide students
Deepen How can I support all
alphabet knowledge with quality students' learning when
Professional and ability to hear learning they are at different
knowledge. and record sounds. experiences. stages of their learning?
Writing
First How can I cater for the
Steps Extending and
Visual diversity of learners by
supports/ aids differentiating a procedural enabling tasks
to support EAL
students.
writing unit of work, to best
support students with
varying writing abilities?
Mentor observations to Assessment: collect work
support the actions I need to samples, observations,
take to further support the Mini lessons and formative and summative
assessments.
development of all learnings. interactive writing to
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Action Plan- Weekly lesson Plans
Includes: Learning resource, practices, activities and assessments.
Descriptors: 5.1, 5.4
August 7th- 11th (Term 3, Week 4)
Formative Assessment Task: Teacher models how to spread a piece of bread with butter (teacher is to bring in plate, knife, bread and margarine) into the
classroom. Students are to then write a procedure for this. This assessment task will provide data on students prior knowledge before the unit of teaching
commences.
WRITING-
Essential Learning: I can include some features of a procedural text in my writing. Descriptors: 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.2
WORDS of the WEEK my, is, not, but, as
Minor focus: Alphabet- Hearing and Recording sounds.
Assessment: Prior to this week students had a formative assessment task to complete for procedural writing. This week observational note and student writing samples will be used to assess students against
the proficiency scale.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
EL:1 I am learning about what a I am learning to use pictures to I am learning to include a list I am learning to include some I am learning to include some
Learning
intentions procedural text is. create a simple procedure. of what is needed. features of a procedural text. features of a procedural text.
I can write a procedural text that I can include simple pictures to I can include a list of what is I can write a procedural text I can write a procedural text with
Success
Criteria helps people know how to do our help my audience follow the needed to make a grass head. with most steps in the correct most steps in the correct order.
morning routine at school. procedure of making a snowman. order.
Introduce the proficiency Play Clip- how to build a Model how to make a Make popcorn with the Make sandcastles with the class
scale. Discuss expectations. snowman Grass Head class. in the sandpit outside.
https://www.youtube.com/wa Student are to come inside,
Shared writing/ tuning in
Create an anchor chart on tch?v=PEVosWKG6qM Make a poster with the Make a poster with the turn, and talk to the other
Procedural Writing, look at students that include all students that include all students about the steps they
things we do as a morning Descriptors: 2.6, 3.4, 4.5 features, eg. Heading, list, features, eg. Heading, list, took to make it.
routine. As a whole class, have steps and pictures. steps and pictures, on how
students model how to make a to make popcorn. Create poster focusing on using
Model writing a procedural snowman using playdough, Focus: Including a list. the correct steps.
text of things we do as a while I draw pictures of the Focus: Putting steps in order.
morning routine. steps on the board. Next to
pictures, write the steps.
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Provide students with pictures Students are to draw pictures Students are to make their Students are to write a Students are to write a
of our morning routines and to show a simple procedure grass heads. procedural text on how to procedural text on how to make
have students cut them out on how make a snowman. make popcorn. a sandcastle.
and put them in order. Then students need to write Once students have all
the steps next to the pictures. made their grass heads Extending: Students are to Extending: Students are to have
Have students write next to they are to write a have a go at including all a go at including all features in
Activity/ independent writing
the pictures the steps in which Extending: Students are to procedural text about it. features in their writing. their writing.
we do things in the morning. include a list of materials you Enabling: Students are to Enabling: Students are to focus
need to make a snowman. Extending: Students are to focus on drawing pictures to on drawing pictures to show the
Extending: Students are to Enabling: Students are to use have a go at including all show the steps it takes to steps it takes to make it.
write complete sentences that the pictures and writing we features in their writing. make it.
give clear steps, in the correct did as a class as a support. Enabling: Students are to Descriptors: 1.5, 1.6
order. focus on drawing pictures
Enabling: Students are to Once finished students can to show the steps it takes
order pictures in the correct test their procedure by to make it.
order, writing numbers next making their own snowman
to them and having a go at out of playdough.
attempting to write.
Reflection Students share work. Students share work. Students share work. Students share work. Students share work.
Writing group 1: Writing group 2:
Teacher Focus Groups/ Conferences/ interactive
Writing group 4:
Focus: Hearing and recording Focus: Hearing and recording Writing group 3: Writing group 1:
Focus: Basic Punctuation
sounds in words and alphabet sounds in words. (letter Focus: Hearing and Focus: Hearing and recording
(how to use capital letters
knowledge. formation) recording sounds in words sounds in words and alphabet
correctly)
Nelly Jordan (finger spaces) knowledge.
James
writing groups
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Descriptors: 1.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 5.2
Focus Students work Samples:
Monday- Session 1 Tuesday- Session 2 Wednesday- Session 3 Thursday- Session 4 Friday Session 5
Student 1
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Student 3
With support, Student 3 was able Student 3 was able to attempt to draw
Student 3 had no support today, but
Student 3 with support was able to Student 3 used a cross on their to draw clear picture and copy the some picture of how he made his
was still able to draw a picture of a
order all pictures, then use numbers page to help him show clear heading. sandcastle.
snowman and attempt to write some
and one word to show each step. words. steps, he was able to number the
steps with support and copy the
heading.
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August 21st - 25th (Term 3, Week 6)
WRITING-
Essential Learning: I can include some features of a procedural text in my writing. Descriptors: 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.2
WORDS of the WEEK I, love, it, cant, be
Minor focus: Alphabet- Hearing and Recording sounds.
Assessment: Observational note and student writing samples will be used to assess students against the proficiency scale.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
EL:1 I am learning about what a I am learning to include a list of what is I am learning to write a procedural I am learning to include simple pictures I am learning to include a
Learning procedural text is. needed. texts with most steps in order. to help my audience follow a procedure. heading to help people know
intentions what my procedure is about.
I can explain what a procedural text I can include a list of what is needed to I can write a procedural text about I can include pictures to help my I can include a heading in my
Success
is. pack my school bag. how to plant a seed with most audience follow the procedure of how to procedural text about how to
Criteria
steps in the correct order. make a paper plane. brush your teeth.
Have a group discussion Students are to Turn and Talk to Watch YouTube Clip on how Model to students how to make a Watch YouTube clip on
about how procedural texts the person next to them about to plant a seed. paper plane. As a whole class how to brush your teeth.
help people know how to do how they pack their school bag in https://www.youtube.com/watch? have students make their own https://www.youtube.com/w
v=Sk9HthjGWl8 atch?v=djNOAmn82nc&list=P
something. As a whole class, the morning and what they need paper planes, giving students
L1GIz-
have students explore the to remember to include. clear steps. vvhYSdVkj1I9uI0ozJyUG2RrdX
Have students each get a
Shared writing/ tuning in
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Then brain storm some
different procedures on the
whiteboard.
Students are to select a Students are to write a procedure Students are to write a Students are to write a Students are to write a
procedure they would like to and include a list of what you procedure with the steps in procedural text on how to make a procedural text on how
write about. This could be need to pack in your school bag. the correct order about how paper plane and include clear to brush their teeth.
one that we brainstormed Laminate their procedures and they planted their seed. pictures.
Activity/ independent writing
on the white board. attach them to the students Extending: Students are
school bags to help students Extending: Students are to Extending: Students are to have a to have a go at including
Extending: Students are to remember what they need to have a go at including all go at including all features in all features in their
include as many features as pack in the mornings. features in their writing. their writing in the correct order. writing.
possible in their procedure. Extending: Students are write a Enabling: Students are to Enabling: Students are to focus Enabling: Students are
Enabling: Students are to clear list of all the items they focus on drawing pictures to on drawing clear pictures in to focus on drawing
focus on drawing pictures in need to bring to school. show the steps in the correct order. pictures to show the
the correct order. Enabling: Students are to use the order. steps in order.
pictures to show what the need
to bring to school.
Reflection Students share work. Students share work. Students share work. Students share work. Students share work.
Writing group 1: Writing group 2: Interactive Writing group 3: Interactive Writing group 4: Interactive Writing group 1: Interactive
Teacher Focus Groups/ Conferences/
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Descriptors: 1.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 5.2
Focus Students Work Samples:
Monday- Session 6 Tuesday- Session 7 Wednesday- Session 8 Thursday- Session 9 Friday- Session 10
Student 1
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Student 3
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August 28th September 1st (Term 3, Week 7)
WRITING-
Essential Learning: I can include some features of a procedural text in my writing. Descriptors: 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.2
WORDS of the WEEK look, in, the, for
Minor focus: Alphabet- Hearing and Recording sounds.
Assessment: POST CAT- Procedural Writing.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
I am learning to make steps I am learning to use verbs to help I am learning to write a I am learning to draw a I am learning include some
EL:1
Learning clear for the audience. my audience understand my procedural texts with most labelled diagram to help my features of a procedural
intentions instructions. steps in order. audience know how to do text in my writing.
something.
I can use clear steps to help I can include verbs to help my I can write a procedural text I can draw a labelled diagram I can include some features
Success
an audience understand the audience know how to make a about how to play snakes to help my audience know of a procedural text in my
Criteria procedure to make a paper volcano. and ladders with most steps how to make breakfast. writing.
hat.
in the correct order.
Watch the YouTube Clips Model how to draw a simple Play a short game of Snakes Model to students how to SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch? shape house. and Ladders make breakfast.
v=0_tDKdXhv0g
POST CAT for procedural
Descriptors: 2.6, 3.4, 5.5 Then model how to write the Students are to Turn and Students are to Turn and Talk writing.
Hand out a newspaper page
procedure on how to make Talk about the rule and the about how it was made.
Shared writing/ tuning in
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Students are to write a Students are to write a procedure Students are to write a Students are to write a Students are to write the
procedure with clear steps and include verbs to explain procedure with the steps in procedural text on how to procedure of throwing the
on how to make a paper hat. how to make a shape house. the correct order about how make breakfast and include a mini beanbags into the
to play the Snakes and detailed diagram at the end. hula-hoop. Students must
Extending: Students are to If students finish early, they are Ladders game. try to include as many
include as many features as to share their steps with a friend Once they are finished, their features as possible in their
Activity/ independent writing
possible in their procedure. and see if their friend can follow Extending: Students are to writing they can have a go at summative assessment.
Enabling: Students are to the steps to draw a house. have a go at including all making their own breakfast. This assessment will be
focus on drawing pictures in features in their writing. completed, with no teacher
the correct order. Extending: Students are to focus Enabling: Students are to Extending: Students are to support.
on including verbs in their writing focus on drawing pictures to have a go at including a
to make their instructions clear. show the steps in the correct detailed diagram at the end of
Enabling: Students are to use the order. their procedure.
pictures to show how to make a Enabling: Students are to
volcano. focus on drawing a clear
diagram and have a go at
writing some words.
Reflection Students share work. Students share work. Students share work. Students share work. Students share work.
Writing group 1: Writing group 2: Writing group 3: Interactive Writing group 4: Interactive Summative Assessment.
Teacher Focus Groups/ Conferences/
Focus: Alphabet knowledge. Focus: Hearing and recording writing. writing. All students will be
Jelena sounds in words. (letter Focus: Adding detail to their Focus: Creating a list for a working independently
interactive writing groups
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Descriptors: 1.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 5.2
Focus Students Work Samples:
Monday- Session 11 Tuesday- Session 12 Wednesday- Session 13 Thursday- Session 14 Friday- Session 15
Student 1
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Student 3
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Building Proficiency Scale:
Descriptors: 1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.7, 6.1, 6.3
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Descriptors: 5.1, 5.3, 5.4,
5.5
STUDENT FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT DATA:
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Descriptors: 5.1, 5.3, 5.4,
5.5
STUDENT SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT DATA:
*Please note that both the formative and summative data along with the proficiency scale, are shared
with parents in students learning portfolios.
Descriptors: 3.7, 7.3
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Descriptors: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.2
Observers Name: Simone Van Leeuwen Observees Name: Stephanie Todd Date: 23rd August 2017
Kids did a great job of staying focused overall. Children were excited about making a plant.
You did great at settling them back in. You worked really hard to keep Nathan on task.
Timing- Whole class- 40 minutes ( including working Most children worked well and tried to write steps
with the children to make the pot plants) in sequence.
Independent- 20 minutes.
Reflection- Due to Nathans behaviour I was unable
to see your reflection.
Morgan and Eva need to be redirected when Check on your lesson structure. 40 minutes is a long
necessary. Eva isolates herself for attention. She is time to be on the floor. It will need to be shortened
watching you to wait for a response. She moved to to be more effective.
the books again waiting for a response. On average you can hold a childs attention for
approximately their age, plus three minutes. So for
Toiletting- If they have only been in a few minutes, most of these children thats a maximum of 8
they can wait a little longer. Make the girls go with minutes total.
the boys and only one set at a time. This should slow
down the amount of children wanting to just leave
for the toilet. Also if you are actively teaching, they
shouldnt be going during that time.
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FEEDBACK SHEET- OBSERVATION 2
Observers Name: Simone Van Leeuwen Observees Name: Stephanie Todd Date: 24th August 2017
Timing Much better today. Whole class 15 minutes Great explanation of the task and how it links to the
Independent- 40 minutes learning intention.
Reflection- ? Better work with Nathan today. The negotiations
you did with him worked well.
You modelled the writing on the board today. Great links to time connectives and sequencing.
Having the children help sound out words.
This is the middle of term 3. You want to be Put the writing books in their lockers.
encouraging more independence from your children. Set a routine about coming to the teacher during
You may want to put their writing books in their independent writing time.
locker tubs so they are responsible for them and it is Encourage sketching ( in greylead) for those that are
a faster process to get started. reluctant to start writing.
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FEEDBACK SHEET- OBSERVATION 3
Observers Name: Simone Van Leeuwen Observees Name: Stephanie Todd Date: 29th August 2017
Learning intentions listed and used. Lots of praise for children attempting to write.
A video used to introduce the topic- making a paper hat.
Children moved to tables to attempt to make their own
hat. Roving around and helping children.
Think about the different types of lessons you can Schedule in the different types of lesson
present in writing. For example- I have seen three lessons formats over the week.
involving a language experience format. Alternate the
types of writing you do with your class etc Modelled Revisit your routines for sitting in front of the
writing, Shared writing and language experience. whiteboard or the IWB.
Put a chalk line in front of your IWB to set a clear Group your children according to their needs
boundary where the children are not to sit. and plan for interactive writing groups and
conferencing.
When you call for attention eyes this way wait for
everyone to stop before continuing.
*A successful three lessons for your VIT Stephanie. You have taken on a lot of feedback and shown progress in
each session. Keep up the good work!
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5. EVALUATING MY PRACTICE
5A. ASSESSING LEARNING
5B. EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MY
PRACTICE
5A. ASSESSING LEARNING Descriptors: 1.1, 1.3, 3.6, 4.3
Throughout the inquiry process, I was able to effectively assess and review students learning.
Through using weekly work programs, it allowed me to target students learning needs and make
appropriate adjustments to cater for the student diversity. The growth that all three-focus students
made is well above the expected learning outcomes that were originally predicted. This growth can
be seen throughout the students work samples and formative and summative assessment tasks. It is
evident that all students knowledge and skills in writing have increased.
Student 1 moved from 2.5 to 4.5 on the proficiency scale, showing a total growth of 2 progression
points. This indicates that the student was able to show greater growth than the original desired
outcomes, which had only hope that this student would move 1.5 progression points, during the
Procedural Writing Unit. Through this student being extended and engaged in the unit, while
having a clear understanding of the proficiency scale and its requirements, she was able to show an
outstanding amount of growth.
Student 2 moved from 2.0 to 4.0 on the proficiency scale, showing a total growth of 2 progression
points. This student was able to show an increased growth, which was larger than the original
desired outcomes, as this students original outcome was to only move 1.5 progression points,
during the Procedural Writing Unit. Through this student being provided with opportunities during
small groups and mini lessons, which increase his ability to stretch out words by hearing and
recording sounds, he was able to show a large growth in his writing throughout this unit.
Student 3 moved from 1.5 to 3.5 on the proficiency scale, showing a total growth of 2 progression
points. Out of the three focus students, this student has not only made the most growth to the
original desired outcomes, which was 1.0 progression point during the Procedural Writing Unit, but
he has shown a dramatic change in his writing ability. Through this student being provided with
increased opportunities to practice his letter and sound knowledge and ability to stretch out words,
while being encouraged to work independently, he was able to achieve this outstanding change in
his writing ability.
Through creating many hands on and engaging activities that were stimuli for students procedural
writing, it proved an effective way to engage students in producing high quality writing, which
allowed students to make such a dramatic growth. Having many mini lessons that focused on
students needs, which included their ability to hear and record sounds, it was an effective way to
support the students varying needs throughout the procedural writing unit. I also had different
expectations depending on the students and made sure every student was aware of these, which
allowed me to create the differentiation within the classroom along with my focus groups.
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Descriptors: 3.6, 5.1, 6.1
Upon reflection, it is evident that my writing lessons have become more focused and student
engagement and self-motivation has increased. This was made clear through students achieving
higher than expected outcomes and showing an increased amount of growth compared to their
previous writing units and assessments. I have also found that I have increased student engagement
and self-motivation through not only providing students with quality language experiences, but
through my mentor encouraging me to spend less time on the introduction and modelled teaching
and providing students with more time for independent work and exploration.
Through the inquiry process I made a few alterations to my original writing planner, which include
adding a section for extenders and enablers, while also including clearer learning intention for what I
wanted to address with my focus groups each day. These changes proved to be affective and
allowed my teaching to become more focused. It will be a change that I will continue with, when
creating other writing planners for new units of work, as it allows me to effectively differentiate the
learning and better accommodate the different abilities I have within my classroom.
To continue to support the learning of my students and cater for the diversity, I will ensure I
continue to work collaboratively with my colleagues sharing ideas and effective strategies to best
support the development of all students. I will continue to plan highly engaging and interactive
lessons, which provide students with quality language experiences that motivate them to learn. I
will also ensure I continue to reflect on the effectiveness of my planning and teaching of my lessons.
Prior to this inquiry process, I did not provide students with enough differentiation during writing
lessons. However, this unit has made me more aware of the effectiveness of providing clearer,
different, and achievable expectations to every student in the classroom. This not only differentiates
learning, but allows students to have a goal and a standard that can work towards, while knowing
what I expect of them.
As the students have shown dramatic progress in their writing, I will continue to implement these
changes and strategies I have made to my teaching. I will also continue to provide students with
clear expectation and quality mini lessons, which focus on extending, and enabling students, in the
areas they need additional support or focus. I will further engage in more professional learning,
around differentiation and best practices to support beginning writers. I will also have more
conversations with colleagues around effective strategies they use during writing lessons.
The inquiry process has allowed me to have the opportunity to review my teaching in an area where
I felt my students needed the most extending. It has not only proved to have effective results on my
students outcomes, but it has allowed me to have a closer look at my students and their learning
needs.
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EVIDENCE OF OTHER DESCRIPTORS
1.4 Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.
2.4 Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Use of Inquiry based learning to improve all students knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islanders throughout all of Australia.
Where applicable lesson plans are modified to include teaching strategies based on the local
community and cultural setting.
Acknowledgments have been made of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through reading
some Aboriginal childrens books during our library time.
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