Standard 5: The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
1. The teacher connects concepts, perspectives from varied disciplines, and interdisciplinary themes to real world problems and issues.
Evidence 1: Photograph of Our Guest Readers
Description: We have someone join us in our classroom monthly to share stories and projects with us.
Analysis: As children interact with other individuals, they are able to gain a wider perspective of the world. This interaction aids in connecting concepts with issues in the broader community.
Evidence 2: Field Trip to the Flynn
Description: Each school year the preschoolers accompany the Kindergarten through third grade classes to the Flynn Theater to participate in a performance.
Analysis: Our school wide trip to the theater provided students with many new learning opportunities. The preschoolers learned about transportation as many traveled by school bus for the very first time. We practiced theater etiquette as we sat quietly and clapped at appropriate times throughout the performance. Most importantly upon our return to school, the preschoolers began to take their favorite books and turn them into plays for the rest of their classmates.
Evidence 3: Apple Orchard Photographs
Description: These photographs were taken at a local apple orchard while on a field trip.
Analysis: There are many apple orchards in our area. The preschoolers enjoy learning about how a tiny apple seed can grow into a big tree that apples grow on. They are also interested in learning about the various types of apples and how they look and taste. We are also able to learn about how apples can be turned into cider and donuts. When we return to school with our freshly picked apples, we also learn about how apples can become apple sauce, pie and bread. We also build a farm stand when we return to school to further our knowledge through play.
2. The teacher engages learners in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication to address authentic local and global issues.
Evidence 1: Saint Nicholas Lesson Plan
Description: Children participate in this lesson as Saint Nicholas Day is approaching each year.
Analysis: In an effort to expose the preschoolers to various ways in which children celebrate Santa Claus throughout the world, we learn about where the legend of Santa Claus started and make shoes to leave out on December 5th. Children are able to work together creatively as they create their shoes, and learn about how people around the world celebrate Christmas.
Evidence 2: God Made Me Special Lesson Plan
Description: Children are introduced to this lesson about how we are all the same yet different.
Analysis: This lesson illustrates that we all have commonalities and differences, but that we are each special. In a world that focuses so much on how we are different from each other, this lesson can aid children in reminding them that we might all be different, but that we are the same, people.
Evidence 3: "Now I'm Big" Lesson Plan
Description: This lesson allows children to think about things that they could or couldn't do as a baby that they may or may not be able to do as preschoolers.
Analysis: This lesson engages learners in critical thinking and communication as they remember themselves as babies and describe things that they could or couldn't do when they were that small. They continue to use those skills as they think about the ways in which they have changed since then.
