Reflection on Tyla Walton's Lesson Plan

Tyla drew from strategies that I use frequently in my classroom: summarizing, non-linguistic representations, and cooperative learning. I, too have found these strategies to be extremely valuable, even though I work with "regular" students. One application I will take from Tyla will be to use more graphic organizers to add to the other non-linguistic representations I already use. I believe Tyla's use of a "Top Ten" list is current (seeing that these are a mainstay for David Letterman), and helps students develop critical thinking skills so vital for success in today's real world. Tyla's inclusion of cooperative/collaborative interaction between her students in this activity reflects (from my viewpoint) an important understanding of the need to assist students in developing social skills that are also directly linked to critical thinking skills. Her lesson plan combines important aspects which have real-world significance. Thanks, Tyla, for opening up my mind to new ideas as to how to serve and better prepare my students!!