Grand Canyon University Kindergarten Classroom Observation Summary

This assignment will be completed in a kindergartenclassroom during literacy instruction. Spend 1-2 hours observing in this2 classroom, reflecting on the literacy instruction that is takingplace. Take notes in the following categories. Then, using your notes, use the template below, to describe your findings. Save your notes, as you instructor may ask to see them.

Observation Summary Template: Kindergarten Elementary Observation-3.docx

Categories for Your Observation Summary Assignments:

Section 1: Observations before the lesson

(Note:To complete section 1 of the summary, it will help you to engage in aconversation with the host teacher prior to your scheduled observationtime.)

Describe the classroom. What do you observe about the set-up ofthe classroom? What has the classroom teacher told you about his/herliteracy instruction? What do you observe regarding the students? Whattypes of interaction does the teacher have with the students? What hasthe teacher told you about the lesson plan that he/she has for thelesson you will observe. What are the objectives for the lesson you willbe watching? What materials will he/she use? How will he/she assess thestudents’ ability to meet the objective for the lesson?

(Important:Ask the teacher to point out a struggling student and a high performingstudent before the lesson begins. You will need to be watching these 2students in particular during the lesson you will observe.)

Section 2: Observations during the lesson

Describe the lesson elements. During the lesson, pay specialattention to the instructional language that teacher uses. Is he/sheusing explicit modeling language? Give examples. What scaffolding to youobserve? Give examples. How much of the talking is done by the teacherversus the students? Do students have opportunities to talk to oneanother? What types of reading/writing/speaking/listening are happeningduring this lesson. Discuss the progress of the struggling student andthe high performing student in relationship to the learning objectivesand the assessment. What do you notice?

Section 3: Reflection after the lesson

Reflect on what you observed. From your time spent in this

classroom so far, make 3 clear connections between the lesson you

observed and what you have learned so far in this course. Use APA

citations when making connections to course texts. Your connections may

include what you did see, or perhaps what you did not

see. In every aspect of this assignment and reflection, assume positive

intent and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and respect

toward the host teacher and the students observed.