Collaborative Lesson Plans and Economics

Collaborative Lesson Plans and Economics

To collaborate means to work together, share ides, and communicate. Economics means production, trade, wealth, and services. Tying these two together in an interesting and engaging way is already difficult, but when also adding 2nd graders into the mix, it becomes even more complicated. Collaborative lesson plans are not only important, but also my favorite type of lesson. They are unique and always fun- if done the right way. There should never be a boring moment during a collaborative lesson plan which makes it perfect to use with boring topics like economics, especially in 2nd grade. Most elementary schoolers don't care to learn about economics because it is not something they have to deal with or worry about in their real world. But, by creating interactive and exciting lessons for students to really indulge themselves and their ideas into, it allows them to make personal connections to a topic they would normally not be able to connect to. 

Allowing your students to work together to create a bigger project is one of my favorite parts of being a teacher. Group work allows freedom; freedom promotes confidence and confidence produces amazing work to be done! I was able to witness a great collaborative lesson plan from my peers during one of our fieldwork experiences and I saw so many positive aspects from students who would normally be so uninterested in the work. The class was split into four groups and each group was to present the topic (economics) in a different way. One group did a skit, one did a rap, one made a group poster, and one drew individual pictures of what they taught economics was. Every group was able to do something different but they all were still able to present the same topic. Every student was laughing, having fun, but also learning! Every student was involved in their group project and sharing their thoughts- this is what makes collaborative lessons so great. I love to see my students, no matter their educational level, sharing aloud what is going on in their head because it builds confidence and in turn allows their knowledge to grow!

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