Objectives Discussion

Working together at any age sometime is very difficult, but when third graders have to work together the task seems harder. I jumped into this project knowing exactly what I had planned to do on the days the students met, but just like the weather things change. Even though the time and tasks somewhat changed the NCATE standards were always accomplished. Changing the Atmosphere had 10 objectives. The first objective content knowlege was accomplished the the first activity titled, "Can We Talk ". This activity focused on enhancing students' listening and communication skills. I felt that this activity had to be first because it teaches the students effective strategies for communicating with others. The second objective, diversity was completed through the activity, "Animal Friends". This particular objectives focused on how the world is made up of different types of people, and we must respect other people. We discussed the word stereotype and I even through in a reading skilled called generalization. A discussion about the different sterotypes about animals sparked a discussion on how people are not the same and you can't judge a book by its cover. The next objective, learning environment was geared toward monitoring students' positive behavior. The activity, "I Caught You" was monitored through the use of an incentive chart. Students placed a sticker by a person's name that showed positive behavior toward another student. Students really focused on not only getting stickers for positive behavior but also acknowledging other students for their behavior. I believe this activity was very meaningful because it gave students a visual of how many times we do get along and work together. The objective communication was and still is a very important objective throughout our class project. The objective was mastered after students had a class discussion about the importance of sharing. The students really enjoyed planning and participating in the chew and chat session where students gained the ability to communicate their feelings toward sharing with one another.