Journal Entry: September 10, 201X

Today I was so excited for my CT decided to create incorporate my mini-lesson that I used with my Intervention students into their upcoming test problem. She was very impressed with my man-made manipulatives and felt that they really were beneficial to the ELL students who enjoyed being able to see the specific polygons as averse to just reading their name. I realized today that they knew the properties of each shape when I showed the manipulative to them and asked them to place each shape into a particular group based on what properties they had in common, but when they had to read the directions on their own (as it would have appeared on the test) they had a great amount of difficulty. My CT realized that it might be helpful for the students if she drew the shapes out on the exam for a visual for this particular question so that the students would not be so confused by the many terms. She also stated that she will use my mini-lesson for her Intervention group in the near future. I feel that by working with this group, I have learned ways in order to better meet the needs of my diverse students.