Context: I took sheltered instruction for English Language Learners during fall

term of 2016 at Portland Community College. Over the course of this class
we were taught many strategies of teaching English Language Learners
using research based instruction. We were asked to design two lesson plans
at the beginning of the term and then every week after that we were asked
to work on a certain instructional strategy that is proven to work with English
learners. This lesson plan is centered on tolerance and is targeted at first
and second graders and this was before I added some of the modifications
such as using background knowledge.
Connection: I think its really important that I included a lesson plan that
didnt have any modifications so that you have a good sense of some of my
ideas and creativity when it comes to lesson plans. I chose an abstract idea
such as tolerance, because regardless if you need to make content
modifications for your students or not, they deserve to be challenged.
Through the idea of tolerance, I executed an engaging lesson that included
researched based techniques. I also think that this is very relevant concept
for this demographic of students. For my class this would be a beginning step
for my students to become self-advocates and advocates for others.
Contemplation: Before I took this class, I took other classes that helped me
focus and develop lesson plans, however this was the first time I understood
how to effectively plan an engaging lesson. I think that a big reason for that
is that I have seen many molds and strategies that educators use to lesson
plan and I have found that this method really works for me. There is also an
appeal, because I want to be a special education teacher and this method
really leaves room for creativity, flexibility, and modifications. All of which are
necessary in developing lesson plans for students with special needs.