Domain IV: Rights and Responsibilities
11:30-!2:00 p.m.

Elaboration:
Today I did a lesson on the five senses. I had students smelling and tasting different foods to guess what they were. It was a somewhat chaotic experience. However, I realized that this lesson could have had many safety hazards. Students could have allergies, or they could have choked or thrown up. Luckily, none of these things happened. I checked for allergies with the teachers before teaching the lesson. I also told the students that they did not have to taste anything. I placed the tasting station by the drinking fountain and sink. It was rather humorous to watch some of their surprised reactions when tasting cocoa. Many of them expected cocoa to be sweet, but found out that it was actually bitter.

Analysis:
Many of the students really enjoyed this; however, it is very important to make sure that they also feel safe doing these activities. As I continue to teach, I will need to think ahead of things that they will need or potential dangers, especially in things like science. I have been thinking a lot about what it means to truly have a safe classroom, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I have several students who are often laughed at or made fun. I have been working on being the advocate for these students. It is so important that students are able to feel safe in every way, so that they can truly be in their best learning environment. This includes feeling accepted and valued.