• Spring 2005     Integrated Thematic Instruction for Young Children
  • Buffalo Public School # 82 Early Childhood Center

During this second grade placement, I was responsible for teaching the Harcourt English Language Arts program.  I also developed a system for learning centers in this classroom.  Many of my lessons included the integration of many subjects and multiple learning centers.   

• Fall 2004         Teaching Mathematics and Science in the Elementary School
  • William Street School, Lancaster Central School District

During this sixth grade placement, I was able to gain experience teaching mathematics using the Everyday Mathematics program.  One of my lessons taught integrated computers into a “Spreadsheet Scramble” game.  I also gained valuable experience teaching science.  My favorite lesson taught was regarding desalinization.  Students worked in small, collaborative learning groups to brainstorm what will happen when a mixture of salt and water are boiled.  An actual demonstration of this process was given and students were amazed by the results.  Effective questioning techniques were used and students figured out why and how this process happened. 

• Fall 2003         Teaching Reading and Other Language Arts in the Elementary School
  • Edison Elementary School, Kenmore Tonawanda School District

During this kindergarten placement, I gained experience teaching English Language Arts.  Many of my lessons included the integration of literature.  From the literature, topics of rhyming, letter recognition, sequencing, and shape recognition were taught.