Student Teacher: Jennifer Zaffetti

Date of Lesson: February 8, 2016

Formal Observation #1
“Professional Practices” to be observed: # 2, 3, 10

Subject: Writing
Topic: Writer’s Block

Preparation
 SmartBoard: pull up the read aloud of Sara Fanelli’s book, My Map Book, on YouTube, and Google an
online timer
 Materials needed: Student Writing Journals, ELMO document camera, whiteboard, whiteboard
markers, and pencils

Objectives
 Students will create a map to improve their writing capabilities.
 Students will be able to explain what “writer’s block” is.
 Students will demonstrate the ability to creatively write for an allotted amount of time.
 Students will present their writing to the class, allowing for feedback.

Transition
 Ask students to take out their Writing Journals and a pencil. Open their Writing Journal to a new page.
Date and Title the page “Writer’s Block.”

Lesson Initiation (5 minutes)

 The teacher will write the objectives on the whiteboard and ask for a volunteer to read them aloud.
 The teacher will ask the class: What is writer’s block? (when a writer loses motivation and does not know
what to write about) When was a time that you experienced writer’s block? How do you combat writer’s
block? (look at the anchor chart of free write topics)

Activity (15 minutes)

 As a whole class, students will listen to the read aloud of My Map Book on YouTube.
 Independently, students will draw a map of their own based on one of the maps found within the picture
book.
 Students will share their map with a partner, making sure to explain what they drew and why they drew it.
 A few students will be selected to share their map with the class using the ELMO document camera.

Independent Practice (15 minutes)

 The teacher will set a timer for fifteen minutes on the SmartBoard.
 The students will write in their journals about one aspect of their map.
 The writing will be completed individually at the student’s desk and, for struggling students, a graphic
organizer may be used.

Closure (15 minutes)

 The class will come together to wrap up the activity.
  Students will be able to share their writing with the class demonstrating the ability to clearly present their
first draft narratives.
 Each presenter will be able to call on three students for comments, questions, critiques, suggestions, or
praises.
 The teacher will end the lesson by reviewing the objectives posted on the whiteboard.

Differentiation
 Tasks will require individual work, partner shares, and whole class shares.
 Teacher or another adult (cooperating teacher) assistance is available for struggling students.
 Graphic organizers will be available to struggling students.

Assessment
 The teacher will monitor the class during independent work time. (observation)
 Writing Journals will be checked for the completeness of free write.
 Students will be able to share their writing pieces with the class.

Professional Practices
 2: Makes learning objectives clear to students.
 3: Communicates clearly in writing and speaking.
 10: Uses instructional technology.