Wilma Said:

Could you proofread this?

We Answered:

Needs some slight refinement. No grammar errors. No spelling errors.
Thesis is supported throughout.

I recommend a thesaurus (they always make for some more interesting sentences).

Wouldn't hurt to talk about why your method is more effective. Think about your experiences as a student and teachers that you had. What do you do differently that makes your method better? How does the method improve what the children learn as compared to said teacher? And so on.

Marvin Said:

I need a good differentiated/brain based lesson for second graders. Any ideas?

We Answered:

One differentiated lesson that I do with my students is about focusing on the details of a story. I will show the students the pictures in a picture book and ask them to give me some details that they see in the picture. I write these on the board and then I read them the book. As they listen to the story I point out any details that are used in the words. Example: If I am reading Paddington Bear the picture shows Paddington in green overalls with a missing button. The words go on to mention that "Paddington has lost a button on his green overalls". They can see that there is detail in the picture as well as written in the story. From here I put them into differentiated groups and give them a picture to look at. Their assignment is to list all the details that they see in the picture. For my "high" group they need to write down the details that they see on the worksheet (sometimes they need to write complete sentences to describe what they are seeing). My "medium" group needs to read the list of details on their worksheet and circle the ones that they see. Finally, my low group draws (copies) the pictures of details that they see making sure to use color, shape, size, etc. to show the detail they are explaining.

Sherri Said:

please, differentiate between lesson plan and lesson note?

We Answered:

Lesson plans are detailed descriptions of the lesson and the way you are going to present a lesson. When you are evaluated, you need to hand the evaluator a lesson plan for the day. This will include the introductory activities, teaching activities (lecture, group sessions, labs, etc), summary, and any testing materials.

A lesson note may be a post-it attached to the lesson plan to jog your memory. It may be a couple of the first words of the sentence. It may be a reminder of time frame for an activity. It may be a note to change something if the prepared lesson is not working.

Amanda Said:

How can I get my class to be more independent during work times and save time for myself?

We Answered:

I'm a fifth grade teacher as well. Lovely us :)

This is what I have used in the classroom to help me get a few extra minutes to get things together, etc. I inform my students after I have finished teaching that they will have a few minutes to work silently. I then put a jar or box at the front of the room. The students know that this is the Question Box. When this is up there, they know they are to work silently and if they have a question they can:
1. look up the answer
2. ask the peer directly next to them
3. write it on a slip of paper and put it in the box
After I take my few minutes, I go through the box and answer questions whole class.

It only took my students a week to learn this procedure, understand it, and then be able to use it. I really hope that this helps!

Jonathan Said:

What are some examples why teachers should differentiate their teaching style and lesson plans?

We Answered:

What do you mean? Do you mean why should they differentiate or some examples where they can do so?