The first of the InTASC standards states that teachers work to ensure students are progressing in a manner that coincides with their developmental stage. Students learn at different rates and enter classrooms with various levels of abilities. The teacher demonstrates proficiency of standard one involves administering appropriate assessments to determine each student’s zone of proximal development and planning differentiated instruction. Knowledgeable teachers monitor student growth by using various methods of formative assessment and provide access to instructional resources, which generate a productive and relatable learning experience for each type of learner. As an elementary teacher, it is essential to know that students need an outlet to release their energy in the form of free play.
I demonstrate proficiency in standard one by using Developmental Spelling Assessments (DSA) to determine students’ stages of orthographic knowledge. Utilizing word screening and word feature analysis provides in-depth information regarding what students know, what they are using but confusing, and what is absent in their word knowledge. This data is an essential part of delivering explicit, systematic instruction that generates development in phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, vocabulary growth, fluency, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
Performing quick addition checks during small math group, allow for the teacher to gain insight on what the student is retaining in first-grade about addition. Students use markers to help them practice their counting and grouping during math quick checks. This activity allows students to learn in a bodily-kinesthetic and tactile learning strategy. The math quick checks also will enable the teacher to provide further assistance for the student with counting, as all students should be able to orally count from 0 to 110 by the end of the first-grade.
The role of play for elementary students is critical for their overall learning, as it provides different benefits to their education. Students are allowed to use their imagination and creativity to adapt to varying scenarios during free play. Guided play provides guidelines and will enable students to see the importance of rules and how to behave in social settings. Furthermore, it gives students an outlet to release energy and to establish friends that they might not otherwise be able to meet. Secondary students benefit from a form of play, whether it is in the way of an athletic team or downtime during a class for a few minutes.