Lesson Observation of Tracy Saunders

Tertiary Supervisor comments

Old Bar PS
7/11/14

Mrs Saunders carefully prepared the literacy lesson for Years 3/4 within the KLA of English
focusing on writing a rich text based on the exemplar passage from Jamils Shadow by
Christine Harris. The lesson was one within a sequence of lessons in which students focused
on creating narrative texts to engage the reader.
In planning for this lesson, Mrs Saunders considered the lesson purpose giving consideration
to the varying intellectual and social characteristics of students. It is noteworthy that even at
this early stage of Mrs Saunders teaching career, she appreciates that students within the
class are individuals and have their own particular personalities and learning needs. I
complement Mrs Saunders in her preparation of the lesson which also demonstrates that she
has, within the context of this lesson, a very satisfactory understanding of the subject content
and how students learn. This evidence includes the teaching strategies which incorporated
important aspects of Accelerated Literacy and explicit teaching.
Mrs Saunders linked the lesson to the English K-10 syllabus and in the entire lesson of 60
minutes student learning and lesson purpose was maintained. The lesson was fluid and
timing for each activity was appropriate. This included whole class, group and individual
support. This enabled students to think in a considered way and consequently Mrs Saunders
got the best out of all her students. The scaffolding of students learning while maintaining
high expectation of achievement for all students further supported student learning. Mrs
Saunders also enabled students to undertake a level of self-assessment when she asked them
if they were confident in achieving the lesson goals and purpose.
Mrs Saunders has a friendly and confident manner which enables her to connect well with all
students. All students responded very well to Mrs Saunders. Her voice is clear, calm and
well-paced. It was pleasing to see that Mrs Saunders appreciated that students required
particular learning adjustments and these were undertaken in a manner which was seamless
and positive.
It was pleasing to see Mrs Saunders state the lesson purpose at the beginning of the lesson
and then thread the lesson purpose throughout the whole lesson. Students had a clear
understanding of the expectation and requirements of the lesson. Mrs Saunders was positive
in her encouragement of all students and there were no behavioural or management concerns.

It is clear that Mrs Saunders has an appreciation that good student management supports
learning.
Mrs Saunders demonstrated many skills which should enable her to be a very good teacher. I
wish Mrs Saunders success as she continues to embark on her teaching career.

Terry Pearson
Tertiary Supervisor
7/11/14