The Kissing Hand Lesson Plan
Why Did I Pick This Book?
I chose this book because of it's open discussion on feelings. Kindergarten/Grade One students struggle with leaving home and going to school. As a young girl my mom used to read me this book because I was nervous about being away from her and being at school with unknown people.
The second book I would use in the unit is "A Pocket Full of Kisses" which is the second book that discusses Chester's (the main character) struggle with having a younger brother. He's worried about losing the love of his mom as she treats his brother with the same amount of affection as him. I related to Chester because I had a younger brother who I was jealous of when I realized my mom loved someone as much as me.
These two books I felt are great choices for Kindergarten/Grade One students in English because they discuss feelings, siblings, love, family and milestones in life. I feel they have so much to offer to the young mind and can really contribute to the classroom.
Reflection
Looking back on this experience I'd like to stick to my lesson plan and incorporate more into it as well. I'd like to bring in the second book called "A Pocket Full of Kisses" and do a unit on both books. Putting this book into my teaching portfolio would be very useful to use on the first day of school in the younger (primary) grades. I feel it is effective during that age and it would be a great way for me to connect with the students too.
As A Teacher...
For me this lesson plan touched home when I wrote it out, I even got to practice it for the class. It was interesting to see where I stuck with my plan and where I veered off track. I got nervous in front of my peers and took an interesting route to give my lesson. At least I have learned from that and know I just need to take a deep breath and stick to my plan (gut feeling), and know that I can do this especially when it's a practice run in front of people I am comfortable with.
Educators understand and apply knowledge of student growth and development.
I believe my lesson plan has this BC Teaching Standard because I am trying to open up the discussion of feelings/emotions for students at a young age. By discussing it at a young age students might feel more comfortable to come forward to their peers/teachers/families and we can help students with mental illness get the help they need. Emotions need to be brought up earlier on so we can avoid the stigma of "cry babies" and that boys aren't allowed to cry. I want to bring forth this topic so that students can talk about it and feel safe in their learning environment to opening discuss feelings.
Reflection as a Teacher
This lesson is a great way for students to express their feelings in a safe environment. Looking back to when I was a young student I felt there wasn't a lot of opportunities to express how we felt or open up about emotions. I want to create a classroom environment that is warm and welcoming for my students especially when they just entering school for the first time such as in Kindergarten or Grade 1.
I have yet to take a course on assessment but for this assignment/lesson I would evaluate my students based on their ability to interact with students on their feelings and cooperatively doing the tasks I ask of them. In an assignment such as this that includes artwork, I would want my students to act in a safe and responsible manner, avoiding going off task.