The Nervous System & The 5 Senses
CEIP Ángel González
Grade 2
Content Synopsis:
The lesson I am teaching covers the Nervous System and the five senses. In the second grade they begin to learn some fundamental terms and how to use them. Accurate pronunciation of the words is encouraged, but the more important goal for this age group is to simply master the words and ideas. To begin, the three parts of the nervous system are labeled with a corresponding picture (either individual part or on a whole body diagram).
This is followed by listing the five senses, and matching each sense with the designated body part it uses (e.g. - I can see with my eyes). After this, a short explanation to answer the question of why we need our senses; the hope is they will recognize the word “interaction” and “information” from the previous lessons. If familiar with the words already, using them aids in their grasp of a new idea. An example such as a child smelling a flower or a child eating an ice cream cone allows them to understand the words applied in this context specifically.
The key concept for this lesson is how the nervous system works: the 3 basic steps. This includes a brief description of the “job” each body part has. (E.g. - The spinal cord sends a message to the brain). Summary questions are given to reiterate the main points of the lesson.
Activities
Prezi - This is an engaging presentation with visual stimulation that teaches the content in a way that will hold their attention.
The 5 Senses Handout - A- fill- in- the- blank worksheet in order to commit the five senses and their body parts to long term memory.
Oral Call and Response Game - At the end, questions for each table of 4 asked in the format: “I can taste with my ___?”, pointing to the part of the body. Repeat the question and followed reply until each individual is saying it correctly.
Script
Attached below is a copy of the script used for the prezi presentation to teach the content. This gives more in depth descriptions and explanations than just the bullet points on the slides, in addition to example questions to intermittently ask in order to test if the students are paying attention.
Lesson Plan Guide
How to Use This Lesson Plan
The Steps:
(Days Preceding Lesson)
Announcements and Review
Tell students to bring their Natural Science textbook to school on the day of the lesson (if not already kept at school).
Review with students the previous material with relevant information to the new lesson. (e.g.- words like interaction, information, vital functions, names of organs, etc).
Prepare Materials
Collect flashcards with body parts in classroom
Print 25+ copies of The 5 Senses Handout
Print 2 copies of the lesson plan script for reference.
(Day of Lesson)
Prepare Materials Cont.
Log in to prezi account, Pull up presentation, Click ‘present’
Check wifi, Press ‘play’ on YouTube videos to test if working, Check Speaker Levels
Collaborate with Teacher
Discuss the lesson plan overall
Identify which students may need extra help with the material
Create a strategy for classroom management, keeping these students in mind
Discuss how to implement any new ideas or modifications the teacher requests
When it’s Time
Allow a minute or two to calm students down if needed before beginning
Give a short introduction, write some of the key words in large print on the white board.
Evaluate the current mood/energy level of the students to gauge how you might tailor the lesson.
Signal the teacher if needed during the lesson.
Summary
Complete Prezi (with questions and interaction throughout).
Start/Complete Handout
Start/Complete Table Evaluation Oral Activity
Cleanup
Response Questions
What topic are you teaching?
The topic I am teaching is The Nervous System and The Five Senses in the Natural Science course.
What are your objectives?
The Nervous System
Student has memorized the 3 body parts in the system.
Student can identify a body part not used in system when given a list to choose from.
Student can pronounce the names of the parts correctly.
Student can match the word to the correct picture (and vice versa).
Student can recite a short description of the role each body part has in the system.
Student can identify which option is correct while looking or listening to a few descriptions.
Student has ability to label from 1-3 the order of steps.
The Five Senses
Student can recite all 5 senses from memory.
Student can point to correct body part associated with each sense.
Student can answer the question in their own words of what they help us do.
Student can fill in blank (written and orally) “I can ____ with my ____.”
Student can give an example of how we use each sense.
What materials are you going to use?
Prezi
Classroom flashcards with body parts
Natural Science textbook
The 5 Senses Handout
Youtube videos (attached in prezi)
Lesson plan script (for teacher’s reference)
What is the timing for your lesson?
Prezi Presentation:
21 slides (each estimated 1-2 minutes. only play first 2 min. of each YouTube video).
Handout
10-12 minutes to begin, save in folders for next class
Oral Activity
Final 3-5 minutes of class period
Total Allotted Time:
Max. 59 minutes. Min. 34 minutes.
Goal Time:
49 minutes of material
11 min. cushion (questions, noise/behavior control, passing handouts, cleanup).
What is the teacher’s role?
The teacher’s role in my lesson is to assist in classroom management, answering the students’ questions, giving directions and/or explanations in Spanish for specific students, and to add reinforcement to the content presented. If the teacher has a special idea and feels inclined to share, they can do so, or have me implement it to my plans. They can follow along with my script as well.
What is your role as a LA?
My role as language assistant for this lesson is to teach the material as if I am the only teacher there. My role is not to rely on the teacher but to take control of the classroom, motivate the students to learn the material, and ensure I am giving them the tools they need to master it. My role is to be their authority, but also a compassionate figure they can rely on and trust to give them direction and knowledge for this lesson, and all lessons in the future.
How are you and the teacher working to complement each other?
The teacher and I are working to complement each other by assessing what our skills are and filling in the gaps we have between us where they present themselves. For example, if a student with special needs is struggling to understand the directions or to generally behave, the teacher knows and is qualified to handle this situation more than I am; as well as speak to them in Spanish if needed. Another example is if I am engaging one table in the oral activity, the teacher can quiz another table so that we are more efficient in this activity. If I am presenting the material and there is a particular student or group of students who aren’t paying attention, the teacher can manage this while I continue with the lesson in order to stay on track. If the teacher and I discuss before and during the class as it goes, we can effectively collaborate for this lesson.
What activities are the students going to do?
The students will watch a prezi presentation with 2 videos, and then be given a handout to complete at their table. Afterwards the teacher and I will do an oral activity to review the five senses.
How will you be evaluating the activities?
I will evaluate the activities by grading the handout they are given. During the oral activity, I will make notes on a piece of paper (with the students names at each table) of their ability and accuracy when answering the question prompts.
How will the students know they have achieved the learning objectives?
The students will know if they have achieved the learning objectives if and when I can quiz the individual (with a visual aid or without) at each table and they can answer correctly without being guided. The idea behind this method is that listening to their peers answer will not only give them much more familiarity with the sound of the words, but more confidence to know they are answering correctly as well.
How will you be responding to diverse learning styles and levels of achievement among your students?
I will respond to diverse learning styles among my students by being flexible and willing to adapt to whatever the needs of the individual are. I will be creative and stay open minded when helping students with their own unique learning style master the material; I believe it is about understanding that there is not a “one size fits all” solution but rather catering to the specific person at hand. I will respond to different levels of achievement by being sure to give praise and encouragement in a fair way. I will aim to push the student to get as close to accurate as possible, but still remain celebratory with the students who cannot achieve that as easily as others.
References
MARIAMC_TEACHER Follow. (n.d.). The 5 senses and nervous system. SlideShare. Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.slideshare.net/MARIAMC_TEACHER/the-5-senses-and-nervous-system
“ Senses Worksheet.” 5 Senses Words Worksheet Worksheets, https://www.worksheetplace.com/index.php?function=DisplaySheet&sheet=5-Senses-Words&links=1&id=&link1=240.
License
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