Teaching Strategies and Development Levels

When I first asked Mrs. Cunico what style of teaching she feels she uses most in the classroom, she said she felt like she uses direct instruction and inquiry. She said sometimes when you are short on time (because you have to fit everything into such a short amount of time.... teachers you know what i'm talking about) is the easiest to make sure that you are getting them all the knowledge they need. Now at first I was thinking...(direct instruction??... that can't be to fun). I was wrong! There are so many benefits to using direct instruction: The teacher gets to state the goals for the lesson, they show/teach the new skill/lesson, then lead them through an instructional activity based on the students interests. I saw this especially when Mrs. Cunico was teaching math (while she also used other strategies as well like active learning, and cooperative learning) She started out with there math cheer, getting the students to understand it was math time and that it still could be fun. She told them what they would be learning, showed them on the board, had examples they went through as a class (letting the students spin a number spinning wheel to determine what numbers they would be using in there math problem, again making it interactive and fun for the kids to remember), and then examples for them to work out with there neighbor's help, and then a math sheet.
I see Mrs. Cunico working so hard with each student, to make sure they are understanding and learning the best they can. She is always willing to answer any of the students questions. Mrs. Cunico has a few low math students that she tries so hard to get them caught up and understanding, giving them a chance to fix there math mistakes, and even giving a couple of them a little longer time on there math tests, so they can take the time and read the problem, figure it out and complete the test. With another student that struggles in spelling, Mrs. Cunico would give him 10 words instead of the regular 15. So instead of getting overwhelmed and not being able to memorize or even study the 15 words, he can focus on the 10. Mrs. Cunico is showing me that it is ok to make accommodation for your students, if they are learning and soaking in the material isn't that what really matters. Isn't that what we as teachers what?? Is for our students to excel, and to see there work and be proud of it.
You can see the trust Mrs. Cunico gives her students, and that they give her. They know she wants them to do great, and they know she is always willing to help them. In another post i'll have to tell you all about Mrs. Cunico's classroom management. I am learning so much!! She doe's an AMAZING job!! This is a teacher who is truly in it for the kids!