katybee
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Post by katybee on Jul 18, 2022 4:49:14 GMT
7/22 Update: I got a job! They called me today even though they said it wouldn’t be until next week. I don’t know what grade, yet, so now that’s what I’m waiting on. But at this point, I’ll take anything, because it will be foot in the door. 👍 7/21 UPDATE: So I had my interview and model lesson today. It was fast and furious. They did not mess around. They started with a 10 minute Q&A, and set a timer. They asked all the questions I expected them to: How do incorporate children’s cultural backgrounds, how do I meet the challenges of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, how would I communicate with parents who do not speak English, what new things am I learning…. I think I answered well, but who knows. Of course, now I see things I wanted to say and didn’t. I think my lesson was good, but I wasn’t even close to finishing. Even though I had practiced it. When you’re in the moment, everything just takes longer, and I didn’t want to seem like a maniac. So they didn’t get to see the end.  The director of HR said it’s hard to finish a lesson in 15 minutes….and again…they set a timer! If they wanted to see my personality as a teacher, they got that. I know that part went well. But if they wanted a complete lesson, I’m screwed. I will not hear anything until next week. So it’s going to be a long weekend. It sounded like they have interviews all day long. So it’s competitive, for sure. I want to be hopeful, but don’t want to get my hopes up. Send all the good juju my way. I would love to teach in the fall. Thanks for all of your advice and support! OP: So I have my interview on Thursday. It's only 30 minutes long. 10 minutes will be questions from the interview panel and then I have to do a 15 minute model lesson. It needs to be 3rd grade literacy, and be differentiated for struggling, on-level and advanced learners. I think I want to do a comprehension lesson on the Book Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt DeLaPena. If you don't know the story, it is about a little girl who lives in a migrant worker community who is doing errands with her brother and finds a dandelion and is deciding what wish to make. But before she makes it, she drops the dandelion. So her brother takes her to a field full of dandelions, where the "sky is full of wishes." It is a sweet story about sibling love and loyalty with underlying themes about immigration. I'm going to focus on character traits and how they drive the story. My problem is--15 minutes! How do I do this? It would probably take 7 or 8 just to read the story. Should I just read part of the story and stop to do an activity? Should I skip the story and pretend like we have read it previously as a class? Has anyone ever done a model lesson like this before? HELP! Thanks!  |
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paigepea
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Post by paigepea on Jul 18, 2022 6:46:16 GMT
Comprehension doesn’t always include much thought. Perhaps do a reading strategy versus comprehension. Maybe have the kids predict what might happen in the story based on the cover picture and discuss then read the story and ask them to put up their hand and say what they were correct about or what they didn’t get correct or what they were surprised about, etc.
I’m not sure how to differentiate or how one needs to differentiate that. Maybe have sheets to fill out for prediction / afterthought and have an easier sheet for the struggling readers. Maybe have the struggling readers write down words they don’t know.
Sorry. I teach high school so gr 3 is way off for me. 15 min seems like a short time to differentiate when you don’t know the kids.
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Post by SAHM wannabe on Jul 18, 2022 10:10:15 GMT
Congratulations on getting an interview! I’m happy to share a couple thoughts regarding your questions. Reading the book out loud during your interview model lesson is not necessary and not advised.
I’ve never heard of having to actually model a lesson during an interview. I’m not sure how realistic it’s supposed to be, but I would probably do something like the following:
Start by stating your objective - “Today we will learn …”
Write it on the board - Objective: (fill in using the verbiage from your district’s student friendly standard).
Build background knowledge - “Yesterday we read … “ (show the book and give a brief synopsis of the characters’ actions so you can attach traits).
If you’re modeling under the assumption that you’ve already introduced general character traits, review/display an anchor chart that the class previously made. (That is, have your chart already made for the interview and refer to it during your model lesson. Visuals for students are important. I hope this makes sense).
The class brainstorms character traits that relate directly to this particular story. “Students turn to your shoulder partner and talk about a character in the book. Then we will share ideas w the class.” (Collaboration!)
Independent practice - Students demonstrate knowledge of character traits by writing and using evidence from the text. (Explain that this is where you would differentiate.)
Emergent - students describe a character from the story using physical character traits (brown hair, friendly smile).
On-level - students describe a character’s traits using their actions from the story (brother showed compassion when he … , when the sister did ___ she was showing kindness)
Advanced - students describe a character’s traits and support with dialogue from the story. (Brother showed empathy. On page 13, he said, “…”)
Closure - A few students share what they have written. Refer back to anchor chart to confirm, if applicable.
I am not familiar w the book you’re reading, so my wording is given as examples. Hopefully other teachers will chime in and add their creative ideas. Don’t include worksheets in your model lesson!! Please excuse the awkward punctuation. I tried to make it clear for your pretend lesson!
Good luck!!
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Jul 18, 2022 13:27:14 GMT
One way to differentiate for struggling readers would be visuals.
Visuals and definitions as well as videos helped ds improve his reading comprehension.
Before we read a chapter, I will underline new words or phrases he may not know.
I make a vocabulary list with definitions of each word and a photo after. For some we also watch videos (ex. Swaying trees, lapping waves, yellow mini sub diving down).
The visuals and words allows him to see the story as it happens and then allow him to talks about and answer questions - basic and thought questions.
When dh had EL students he would do the same. They needed to build their math vocabulary and the visuals and definitions helped them bridge between (mainly Spanish) and English. Math is a language and when you have the vocabulary behind it, you can talk math.
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Jul 18, 2022 13:28:31 GMT
Oh and he can use those visuals to pull from to make sentences to answer questions.
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caangel
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Post by caangel on Jul 18, 2022 14:06:11 GMT
Will you be with actual students or just in front of the interview panel? I would either just read a few pages of the story and discuss or pick something different that you could jump into right away. You don't have a lot of time to "set up" the lesson.
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Jul 18, 2022 14:37:19 GMT
I think they are looking for innovated ways your reach the subgroups of students in a class. Including gen ed students with IEPs (mainstreamed). I think that is the key, not the lesson plan itself, but your ways if reaching those students.
In dh's district (Ca) equitable grading practices and innovate lessons are 2 key points that dh helps facilitate as a demonstration teacher. He also works with 2 schools districts and 2 Universities in the state about these things.
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Post by Merge on Jul 18, 2022 15:27:31 GMT
Structurally, I wouldn't waste much/any of the demonstration reading the book. That doesn't show your skills. Begin with the premise that the class has recently finished the book and go into your lesson from there.
I'm no help on the literacy piece. Good luck!
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Jul 18, 2022 18:33:38 GMT
Thank-you for all of your advice….it is helpful.
I will be “teaching” to the panel….not actual students.
Surely, they don’t expect me to fit in an entire, book-ended lesson in 15 minutes.
I think I will teach as if we have already read the book. Then I will re-read parts that are relevant to my teaching point so the panel is not completely lost. I’m going to remind them that we have already talked about character traits and have an anchor chart already completed with character trait examples. (When I taught 3rd grade, we had one up all year and would add to it). Then I’m going to explain that we are going to go a little deeper and examine how the Carmela, her traits, feelings and motivations drive the plot (that was emphasized on a CCSS website I’ve been referencing). I’m going to do a quick think-aloud/model on a passage. Then, I’m going to read another passage and have the students turn and talk, and then use sticky notes to fill out a class chart about Carmela’s traits, feelings, motivations and actions, using text evidence. Then I’m going to release them to practice these skills in their own books.
But now I’m completely rethinking. This is a picture book. Is that OK? I often used picture books with my 3rd graders or introduce skills, but I’d it appropriate for the model lesson? Will they think it’s too easy? I chose it because it is culturally relevant and I think a LOT of the kids in this community could relate. It’s seems very simple on the surface, but like with all Matt DeLePena books, it’s pretty deep under the surface. Should I do a more complex picture book or a chapter book? Or should I ditch the comprehension lesson altogether and do a word study lesson?
Also—I don’t have ANY teaching supplies—no books, NOTHING! It will all be here the day after my lesson. 😂 And I live in a small town—the closest big bookstore is 35 minutes away. I ordered Carmela from Amazon and it will be here today, but I could drive to Ventura if I change my mind.
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SabrinaP
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Post by SabrinaP on Jul 18, 2022 18:43:02 GMT
Picture books are fine. We used them even in 6th grade. I agree with the others about not reading the book during your time. Good luck!
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Jul 18, 2022 18:50:33 GMT
Also--I am going to provide the panel with a detailed lesson plan--you know--the kind that we only do in college and once a year when we get observed. It will detail what we've already done and where we will go next...
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Post by ihaveonly1l on Jul 18, 2022 20:06:00 GMT
20 minutes is the perfect time for a shared reading lesson. It is exactly the amount of time I have in my schedule for the lesson and the good thing is that the book is repeated for several days so you don't have to "finish" anything.
You could totally do a shared reading lesson with that book.
ETA: You could also reference that it was Day 1 or you could "remind" them what you had done with the book earlier.
An interactive read aloud would be good too!
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kate
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jul 18, 2022 20:08:58 GMT
I have zero to add to a reading lesson - I just want to say how sorry I am that you don't get to teach with real kids! Seeing a teacher's unique magic with a class is so important when hiring.
Hope it all goes really well!
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Post by elaine on Jul 19, 2022 10:50:24 GMT
Also--I am going to provide the panel with a detailed lesson plan--you know--the kind that we only do in college and once a year when we get observed. It will detail what we've already done and where we will go next... Yowza! I have a feeling that they will be more interested in the written lesson plan. Are you supposed to make a 15-minute lesson plan, or one that you would do in a real class - so more like 45-60 minutes? I would guess that they really want a taste of how you will differentiate your plan to include remediation and extension activities. I know that that was a big focus in a English teaching position that I interviewed for yesterday. I think that if you are going to provide guided notes for your students that need remediation, that would be appropriate. And if you want to use the guided notes for the whole class, you could add on an “optional” portion at the end with extension activities for those who will benefit from those. I personally think that having something concrete demonstrating what you will do with the kids would be great, especially since you aren't going to have a lot of time to deliver a lesson. Good luck! |
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Jul 21, 2022 23:34:47 GMT
Bumpity Bump for update…
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Post by Lexica on Jul 21, 2022 23:39:06 GMT
I will send up all the positive hiring vibes that a person could summon up. I wouldn’t worry about not finishing the lesson. They want a sample of your style and I’m sure they got that during the 15 minutes you gave them.
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quiltz
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Post by quiltz on Jul 21, 2022 23:40:27 GMT
I'm sure that you did very well.
Sending up good juju for you!
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Post by elaine on Jul 21, 2022 23:47:53 GMT
Good luck! I bet that you did great. 😀 please let us know as soon as you hear something!
I wish that your brother lived out here - there are literally over 100 elementary school positions in my school district alone. You would have 10 offers by tomorrow.
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Post by leannec on Jul 21, 2022 23:50:06 GMT
How do incorporate children’s cultural backgrounds, how do I meet the challenges of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, how would I communicate with parents who do not speak English This is the junior high I teach in  I'm sure you did great! I hope you hear back soon! |
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Jili
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Post by Jili on Jul 22, 2022 0:02:01 GMT
I bet you did great! That’s so much pressure.
Fingers crossed for you!
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Jul 22, 2022 0:22:42 GMT
Good luck! I bet that you did great. 😀 please let us know as soon as you hear something! I wish that your brother lived out here - there are literally over 100 elementary school positions in my school district alone. You would have 10 offers by tomorrow. The district that I left and surrounding districts are DESPERATE for teachers. They are going to start the year with hundreds of unfilled positions. But…it is 75, breezy and sunny here…and the beach is calling my name….so I get why teachers don’t want to leave here… |
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Jul 22, 2022 0:23:46 GMT
How do incorporate children’s cultural backgrounds, how do I meet the challenges of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, how would I communicate with parents who do not speak English This is the junior high I teach in I'm sure you did great! I hope you hear back soon! Luckily I have tons of experience with these populations, as well…so I think my answers were good…. |
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Post by SAHM wannabe on Jul 22, 2022 0:28:13 GMT
Fingers crossed, positive vibes, and good juju being sent your way!
Waiting is difficult, but try to relax.
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Post by quinlove on Jul 22, 2022 0:33:47 GMT
Sending and sending and sending - positive vibes your way. 💚💚💚
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Jul 22, 2022 18:35:54 GMT
I got a job! See OP for update!
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Post by mnmloveli on Jul 22, 2022 18:37:44 GMT
GREAT ending to your job search !
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Post by scrapmaven on Jul 22, 2022 18:39:18 GMT
Congratulations! That's so exciting. What grade do you want to teach?
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katybee
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Post by katybee on Jul 22, 2022 18:41:33 GMT
Congratulations! That's so exciting. What grade do you want to teach? In order: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd I’ve never taught 4th or 5th. |
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paget
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Jul 22, 2022 18:46:03 GMT
Congratulations!!! I “knew” you would get it. I feel like I can tell what a competent and caring teacher you are just through your posts through the years so it should be obvious to people who meet you in person and see you do (part) of a lesson. Happy for you! Sending kindergarten vibes for your first choice. 😂
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Post by leannec on Jul 22, 2022 18:48:38 GMT
Congratulations! Woo Hoo!!!  |
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The director of HR said it’s hard to finish a lesson in 15 minutes….and again…they set a timer! If they wanted to see my personality as a teacher, they got that. I know that part went well. But if they wanted a complete lesson, I’m screwed. 
