Reflection on Integrated Unit

Developing the integrated unit to support my teaching of early literacy strategies was both meaningful and frustrating. First, let me address my frustrations. As there are few opportunities for teacher sharing embedded in the structure of our day at school, it was somewhat difficult to find quality time for collaboration with my colleague. This was especially complicated due to the fact that my counterpart also works in two other schools within the district. I want so much for my school community to commit to quality conversations around teaching and learning. Working across grade levels and with specialists would be facilitated by a structure thorough which ideas could be developed and shared. If this had been in place prior to the development of the unit, I do believe that the integration piece would have been more powerful and meaningful.

On the positive side, however, the level of student learning through the course of the unit was incredibly strong. As I tailored the learning to meet specific needs within the group, individual students could access the skills and strategies that were being taught at his or her own developmental level. The success that students experienced as documented in both the formative and summative assessments was amazing! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to design and implement a unit of study that will benefit students for years to come!