Tutor profile: April M.

How do I find information about my research topic?

Review your instructor's syllabus or other assignment materials and information. What is the instructor asking you to do? If you have selected a topic, you can utilize resources and materials from your school/institution library. Librarians can help you find electronic resources, physical books, or other materials depending on what the expectations are for your assignment. Locating, accessing, and evaluating resources and articles is a good start to finding the information you need.

What is the importance of morning meetings/circles in early childhood classrooms?

A classroom that behaves in a cohesive manner with procedures and expectations in place helps to set up the students (and teacher) for success. One way to discuss and implement procedures and expectations is to have a daily morning meeting. This could start as an introduction to who the teacher is, what class will be like, who the students are, what they like or dislike about school, etc. The teacher can guide students into understanding how to sit or arrange themselves in the morning meeting area and in the classroom, how to participate, explain activities, classroom helper roles, what materials to use, etc. There are a multiple of topics to discuss in morning meetings and it gives the class a chance to connect right away and understand what to expect for the day, week, or even school year.

What are some best practices in lesson planning?

It's a good idea to begin with the end in mind. What is your learning objective and how will you assess what students have learned? In other words, how will you know they have learned what you taught? Consider back-mapping; what is the goal and outline the steps to get there in your lesson. Also think about student needs. What are ways to create an engaging learning experience and to learn by doing? How will you check for understanding?