Description of an Instructional Unit

Description of an Instructional Unit

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Subject Area: Math and Literacy

Day 1: Introduction to Numbers (Counting 1-10)

Engagement

The instructional unit begins with an interactive counting song to kickstart the day, encouraging students to clap or move with each count. This engaging activity introduces the concept of numbers and incorporates physical movement, catering to kinesthetic learners.

Hands-on Exploration

Following the song, counting bears are distributed to students, providing a tactile experience. The students are prompted to count and group the bears, reinforcing the fundamental concept of one-to-one correspondence.

Group Activity

A collaborative counting game, “Pass the Ball,” is introduced, enhancing social interaction. As the students pass the ball around, they count aloud, reinforcing numerical order and creating a dynamic, cooperative learning environment.

Art Integration

The day concludes with a creative twist, integrating art into the mathematical learning process. Students will create a number line by pasting objects representing each number, linking abstract numerical concepts to tangible, visual representations.

Day 2: Number Recognition and Identification (1-5)

Review and Song

Day 2 starts with a quick review of counting using a familiar song, providing a multisensory approach. The students sing together, adding movements for each number, ensuring an engaging and memorable recap.

Flashcards and Games

Number flashcards are introduced for recognition, and interactive games on tablets offer a technology-based approach to reinforce number identification. This caters to diverse learning styles within the classroom (Harisanty et al., 2020).

Scavenger Hunt

The day includes a dynamic scavenger hunt where objects related to counting are hidden around the classroom. Students actively find these objects, identify the corresponding numbers, and apply their knowledge in a real-world context.

Collaborative Art

            The day concludes with a collaborative number collage, emphasizing both number recognition and artistic expression. Each student contributes by pasting pictures related to a specific number, fostering teamwork and creativity.

Day 3: Exploring Patterns with Numbers

Number Review

The third day begins with a review of numbers 1-5 through a counting exercise, ensuring a continuous understanding of foundational concepts.

Pattern Introduction

Simple patterns using numbers, such as 1-2-1-2, are introduced. The teacher models and encourages students to repeat, establishing an understanding of basic numerical patterns.

Manipulative Patterns

Hands-on pattern exploration is facilitated using manipulatives. For instance, blocks are utilized to create and extend patterns, providing a tangible and visual understanding of numerical sequences.

Technology Integration

Technology is incorporated through a pattern recognition game on a tablet or interactive whiteboard. This introduces a digital dimension to pattern learning and allows for class discussion on recognizing and creating patterns.

Group Activity

The day concludes with a collaborative group activity where students work together in five groups of three to create a patterned display for the classroom. This activity not only reinforces learning but also promotes teamwork and social skills.

Day 4: Basic Addition Concepts (Using Manipulatives)

Quick Review

Day 4 starts with a brief review of numbers and patterns, ensuring that the foundational concepts are still fresh in the students’ minds.

Addition Introduction

Basic addition concepts are introduced using manipulatives. For example, blocks are employed to demonstrate simple addition equations, fostering a hands-on understanding of arithmetic.

Hands-on Practice

Students are provided with the opportunity to practice basic addition using manipulatives. Visuals are incorporated, and students are encouraged to verbalize the addition process, promoting both conceptual and verbal expression (Richardson et al., 2012).

Technology Support

Technology is leveraged through interactive apps or games on tablets, focusing on basic addition concepts. This offers a differentiated approach to learning, catering to various learning styles within the classroom.

Group Activity

The day concludes with a collaborative addition activity. Students work in pairs to solve simple addition problems using manipulatives, encouraging peer learning and collaboration.

Day 5: Culminating Activity and Review

Review

The fifth day begins with a quick review of numbers, patterns, and basic addition, ensuring a comprehensive recap of the week’s learning.

Hands-on Review

Students engage in a cumulative activity, revisiting counting, number recognition, patterns, and basic addition using various manipulatives. This hands-on review solidifies their understanding and allows for the practical application of learned concepts.

Technology Showcase

A segment is dedicated to a technology showcase, where students have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning. They share their favorite apps or games from the week, fostering technological literacy alongside mathematical development.

Parent Communication       

The week concludes with proactive parent communication. A weekly newsletter is sent summarizing the activities, emphasizing key concepts covered, and providing suggestions for at-home activities to reinforce learning. Additionally, links to recommended educational apps are shared to extend learning beyond the classroom.

Instructional Strategies for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Throughout the instructional unit, various strategies will be employed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills among the learners. The emphasis is on prompting students to explain their reasoning during activities, using open-ended questions that go beyond rote memorization, fostering collaborative learning through group activities, and integrating problem-solving scenarios into lessons (Gleason et al., 2011). These strategies aim to cultivate a mindset of active engagement and inquiry in mathematical exploration.

Research-Based Strategies and Technology

Research-based strategies will be woven into the instructional unit to enhance the learning experience. Utilizing manipulatives for hands-on learning aligns with research on kinesthetic learning in mathematics. Integrating technology, such as tablets and interactive games, will enhance engagement and provide differentiated learning experiences. Additionally, the incorporation of visuals and multimedia caters to diverse learning styles, ensuring a well-rounded and inclusive approach to mathematical education.

Communicating Individual Student Progress to Parents/Guardians

A proactive plan for communicating individual student progress to parents will be established. A communication platform, the classroom email, to be specific, will be utilized to regularly update parents on the week’s activities. Further, visual documentation through photos of students engaging in math activities will be shared, providing a tangible glimpse into their learning. Additionally, specific examples of individual achievements and areas for growth will be communicated, ensuring personalized feedback. Lastly, suggestions for at-home activities will be made, empowering parents to reinforce learning beyond the classroom and fostering a collaborative approach to a child’s educational journey.

References

Gleason, B. L., Peeters, M. J., Resman-Targoff, B. H., Karr, S., McBane, S., Kelley, K., Thomas, T., & Denetclaw, T. H. (2011). An Active-Learning Strategies Primer for Achieving Ability-Based Educational Outcomes. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 75(9). https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe759186

Harisanty, D., Srirahayu, D., Kusumaningtiyas, T., Anugrah, E., Permata, I., & Anggraeni, D. (2020). The Utilization of Flashcards in Children Information Literacy Development. Library Philosophy and Practice (E-Journal). https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4554/

Richardson, J. S., Morgan, R. F., & Fleener, C. E. (2012). Reading to learn in the content areas. Wadsworth; Andover.

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I have included the book in the second file for guides and support. This is the actual assignment.

See the Impact on Student Learning Instructions document.

In this Module, we will focus on Part 4: Instructional Design. The goal here is not to complete the entire Part 4 within the document. Rather, I want you to familiarize yourself with each piece that we cover and gain a little experience. You will complete this entire Impact on Student Learning Key Assessment later in your program.

Impact on Student Learning Instructions-AY 22-23.pdfDownload Impact on Student Learning Instructions-AY 22-23.pdf
Directions for this assignment:
In a 4-5 page paper (1 title page, 2-3 pages of written body, 1 reference page), address the following:
1.) Choose a grade level and subject area.
2.) Provide a written description of an instructional unit (5 daily lessons). I do not need to see lesson plans here. Just describe them in written form.
3.) Describe instructional strategies that you will use to engage students in critical thinking & problem solving.
4.) Describe research-based strategies and technology that will be used throughout the lesson.
5.) Describe a plan for communicating individual student progress to parents/guardians.
6.) Use APA format to create your title page and reference page. Use 2-3 outside resources for your reference page.