Allocate at least 4 hours to complete this field experience.

Assist your mentor teacher with teaching a minimum of two social studies lessons being taught in a 1st grade setting. Take note of the use or non-use of a social studies text within your experience, as well as how the mentor teacher differentiates the instruction. After the teaching experience, speak with your mentor teacher about how he or she differentiates instruction to address the learning needs of the students in a class.

In addition, after your teaching experience, review the social studies textbook and other materials and resources that were used to teach the lessons. (If the class does not use a textbook, then focus only on the materials and resources that were used.) Analyze the text, materials, and resources to determine if opportunities or supports are provided for teachers to address cultural relevance and differentiated learning, or if teachers are expected to develop these on their own.

Write a 250-500 word reflection that summarizes your teaching experience, the discussion with your mentor teacher, and your analysis of the textbook and materials. Specifically address where you observed, or saw a need for:

• Differentiated instruction and instructional materials for individual students with particular learning differences or needs.
• Incorporation of students’ experiences, cultures, and community resources into social studies instruction.

In addition, be sure to explain how you will use your findings in your future professional practice.

APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.