“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”

~Ignacio Estrada

It is essential for a teacher to be knowledgeable in many different Instructional Strategies. The Instructional Strategies standard is where the teacher shows they can use a variety of instructional strategies to boost learner development so the students have a deep understanding of the material and can make the proper connections to daily life. This standard is important because as each student is an individual, instruction needs to be seen as the same. Using multiple instructional strategies help students to learn using multiple intelligences that can aid students in higher learning comprehension. Some of the best instructional strategies that I find more useful are small group instruction, work stations and centers, and wiggle breaks that promote learning.

Artifact 1: Small Groups

Small groups is a powerful instructional strategy I find quite effective in the classroom. Small groups provide the chance to group students according to math and reading levels. Each small group’s instruction is individually tailored specifically for that specific group. Zone of Proximal Development, meet students where they are and scaffold learning to ensure students are moving to higher levels of learning. During reading groups, groups are formed due to their reading level. I created a word study game for a group of Within Word reading group. Using different teaching techniques is a great way to reach multiple intelligences for many students. I was also able to use this game for a group of student who are below the reading level for their grade.

Artifact 2: Stations/Centers

Another efficient instructional strategy that I find important is using work stations or centers during whole group. This is a great instructional strategy because students can be instructed to work alone or with partners on stations or centers. This instructional strategy gives students time to peer collaborate and take their learning to higher levels in multiple ways. To show my understanding of instructional strategy, I have provided pictures of  students at centers where they rotated through in groups of three to collaborate and determine the different states of matter and physical changes  occurring at five different stations. The genuine, collaborating amongst the students within groups was exciting to hear and to see.

Pictured are second graders in groups of three to collaborate together on which phase of matter they are witnessing and if there are any physical changes being observed.

Artifact 3: Movement

Brain breaks that promote learning is another instructional strategy that I find to be quite efficient. Children are not meant to sit for hours at a time being drilled with instruction. Getting students up and moving helps to promote a positive ideology with instruction. Getting up and moving has shown to improve cognitive intake for many subjects such as for Math. There a many wonderful interactive videos that are age appropriate for students. By having students physically transition at subject transmission times gets students ready for the next part of instruction everyday. For the students with IEP’s or 504 plans who may struggle with transitions, use this time to give them a special task or a quick walking break.