Sophie Tomashot
EDT 317
Lesson Plan Reflection
4/23/2024
My lesson plan created for the preschoolers was visual art. During the class, we
created many different lesson plans consisting of fun activities that connect to the early
developmental standards. The specific standards that matched my activity/lesson were
under the category of creative development 1a. Demonstrates preferences, pleasure, or
displeasure when interacting with various materials and activities and the second was
under the science category 2b. Develops ability to reason about cause and effect. The
students were instructed to mix different colors to make new colors with the ones given
to them.
This activity went well but it had some bumps. When I gave directions, I said
small amounts of paint were allowed to be used by taking a spoonful of paint and
putting it in their mixing bowl. This led to their bowls being full of paint but after letting
them try again in a new bowl they got the hang of it. Another small bump was the
students wanted to mix all the colors together leading to a messy color in their bowl.
They were very pleased although I then gave an example of two colors (red and white)
and showed them how it made pink and this helped them get back on track.
If I were to teach this lesson again, I would definitely put down some paper
towels at their workstations because the clean-up process afterward was
time-consuming. I also would recommend smocks because the students enjoyed getting
paint everywhere. Also if available more cups of the same color paint so they can have
their own little station rather than reaching over each other to get different paint cups
leading to more messes.
I learned that my directions need to be clear and simple, after teaching this
lesson. I started off my first group with a few direct instructions but quickly realized it
was too much. After I simplified them and gave examples of how to do it, they were able
to catch on and complete this activity independently. I also think it was a good idea to
small groups due to the reaching over for cups of paint.
My group sizes for this were small. I tried to keep it at three students max
because it was a messy activity but they had a great time. Some students got the hang
of it and were amazed at how new colors were made that were not originally on the
table. The students then got to paint with the color created and make their own
masterpieces. Also, when one of the students would make a color and a peer saw, they
were interested in how they could create a similar color so the discussions within the
small group were meaningful and helpful to each other.
A modification that could’ve been made for each student was different depending
on what they struggled with. Some students were having troup waiting for the specific
paint cup that they wanted and would reach their spoon and then mix the color on their
spoon with a different color of paint contaminating the cups of a single color. I would
pick up the cup for them and bring it closer to their bowl but still allow them to use the
spoon and scoop it into their bowl.
Overall, this activity was fun and engaging for the students. Not only were they
learning about mixing colors but practicing fine motor skills pouring small amounts of
paint into the bowls and mixing it with their paint brushes. They also practiced
memorization skills trying to remember which colors make what when mixed when their
friends would ask them how they got that specific color. Each student saved their work
on the drying rack and was so excited to show their parents at the end of the day.
