Passionate in Primary 

Description of Artifact: Students brainstormed, planned, and created a model to solve a real life problem. The problem was given to students during the problem solving unit. This problem was a group of students not being able to play on the playground on a hot summer day due to the sun warming up the playground, them being too hot, and the sun causing damage on their skin. Students were to brainstorm, plan, and create a model that could solve the problem and allow students to use the playground. 

Artifact Alignment with MEES: The science model final project implemented strategies in which most students convey their ideas or solutions through both product and process. Students were able to use their own imagination and critical thinking skills to physically create a final product to solve the problem at hand. Students were able to work on this project over a period of time and then they expressed their thoughts, feelings, insights, opinions, and attitude about the process, project, and outcome. These were shared with the Cooperating Teacher, Student Teacher (me), and other students in the classroom. 

Reflection of Philosophy: Critical thinking skills are crucial for students to succeed in the classroom. As mentioned in the philosophy of education,  “I hope to facilitate critical thinking in my classroom while making real world connections between the students and in turn create relationships, trust, and confidentiality with my students.” Giving students the opportunity to critically think about their surroundings and the world around them helps students learn better, understand academic concepts in a different way, and creates a classroom environment that pushes students to challenge their thinking. 

First Year Goals/ Growth Point: As a first year teacher, there are many things that are new and confusing. Often times new teachers become overwhelmed with the responsibilities that come with being an educator. A goal I would like to set for myself as a first year teacher is to create a classroom that is focused on quality over quantity. I want to ensure that critical thinking is a part of all classroom decision so classroom learning is enriching for the students.