This group of lessons was part of a major assignment for two classes and formed the basis for my initial lessons in my practicum. Going into my teaching practicum I thought that these might take a couple of days. Was I ever wrong. They formed formed the basis for about two weeks of science. I learned that often times, your lessons will take a lot longer than you realize. In the case of my class, it was due in part to how inquisitive and engaged they were. It was also largely due to learning how long it can take to set up projects, explain tasks and organize the class into workable groups. I tried to encourage questions and let the students ask as many as they wanted, as long as they stayed on task.
I found in my practicum that I really enjoyed teaching art and looked forward to teaching this class. It really appealed to my creative side. There were two big A-HA moments in teaching art: the first is how many kids seem to view art as something to rush through and just complete whatever is required for the class, and secondly (and relates to the first) all my art lessons seemed to go faster than I expected. The result is that quite a number of students said they were finished and were looking for other things to do, and there was still a lot of time left in the class. This showed the importance of having additional work for sponge activities ready, something that I did not have in this class.