Basic Information

Classroom Demographics:

Current Curriculum Focus: Fairytales, Folktales, and Myths Unit

Teaching Style and Philosophy:

Inquiry-Based Instruction: Alex emphasizes inquiry-based learning where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore, and engage in critical thinking. Alex believes that this approach fosters a deeper understanding and a more active learning process.
Critical Thinking Development: A significant focus is placed on developing critical thinking skills. Alex uses guiding questions to lead students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information independently.
Student-Centric Learning: Alex strives to create a classroom environment where each student feels valued and capable. Tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, especially those with IEPs and ELLs, is a priority.

Current Classroom Challenge:

Understanding Genre Distinctions: Students are currently learning about fairytales, folktales, and myths but are struggling to differentiate these genres from regular fiction texts. They understand basic fiction elements like characters, problems, solutions, and lessons but need help identifying unique characteristics of each folktale genre.

Strategies and Approaches:

Interactive and Visual Learning: To aid understanding, Alex uses a variety of visual aids, story maps, and AI-generated images to illustrate the unique elements of fairytales, folktales, and myths.
Collaborative Learning: Alex encourages group discussions, pair work, and class debates to allow students to express their ideas and learn from each other.
Differentiated Instruction: Recognizing the diverse needs of the class, Alex provides accommodations like sentence starters, bilingual resources, and modified assignments to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all students.

Goals for Students:

To develop an appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures through the study of various folktales.
To enhance critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze literary elements.
To foster a love for reading and storytelling.
To enhance their writing skills as the read and respond to questions about literature

Personal Development Goals:

To continuously find innovative ways to integrate technology and AI tools in the classroom to enhance learning experiences.
To attend professional development workshops focused on inquiry-based learning and teaching ELLs effectively.

Hobbies/Interests Outside of Teaching:

Quote/Motto: "Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way." - George Evans