Notes for Coaches Toni McAfoos and Bonnie Barnes 

AFTER THE LESSON MENTORING CONVERSATION WITH MR. AMAYA:

Lee: Mr. Amaya, this lesson was very different from the one before. Here the students had a chance to build LEGO cars. How do you think that could be improved for next time?

Mr. Amaya: More time and I really need a TA in the room to help with that activity. There wasn't enough time to help everyone. We rushed the lesson, but next time I will do it over a week.

Lee: I understand. This may let some students do more elaborate cars.

Mr. Amaya: Their cars were very simple. We were going to do the diecast cars and then someone suggested to you that the students use LEGOS.

Lee: Yes, that was Bonnie Barnes, my Coach. Do you think we should have only used the diecast cars?

Mr. Amaya: No. I liked that they make the cars. If I did this again, we would use this with math and let them measure and spend more time on the design. I think we need a week to really do this lesson well.

Lee: The kids seemed to have a great time.

Mr. Amaya: I will use this again and they really liked using the computer. We have the word "force" on the wall and I need to remind them of the word every day.

Lee: What a great idea. When they get to 5th grade, they work with force in the physical science portion. This will help them.

Mr. Amaya: Good.

Lee: They did well on the test. Are you using the CPS system for other tests.

Mr. Amaya: They want every test on CPS. I can't do that, but I am trying to do more.

Lee: That's great. I think we've been very successful with both the lessons. You will be missed at Silberstein next year, but I hope you use these at Gonzalez.

Mr. Amaya: I plan to.