Teacher Saja Daghameen
As part of the Summer Institute Program implemented by Teach for Palestine for fresh graduates, trainee Saja Daghameen delivered a practical lesson in English for the third grade titled “Professions.”
The lesson stood out for its well-structured pedagogical flow that combined introduction, interaction, practical application, and assessment. Saja began her lesson with stimulating questions about the students’ future aspirations, such as:
“What do you dream to be in the future?”
“Who takes care of you when you’re sick?”
“Who grows the vegetables and fruits we eat?”
These questions smoothly led into the topic of professions. She then moved on to a series of hands-on activities, such as displaying pictures of professional tools (like a hoe, a stethoscope, etc.) and asking the motivating question: “Who uses this tool in their work?” She also used flashcards and pictures of different professions, leading into an interactive listening activity that connected professions with pronouns — a method that enhanced vocabulary learning and language skills in an enjoyable and effective way.
Throughout the lesson, Saja applied positive reinforcement strategies, even when students made mistakes, which encouraged participation and risk-taking in a supportive environment.
She then proceeded to the interactive listening activity from the textbook, linking professions with the pronouns he/she while maintaining gender sensitivity. Students listened to the lesson text and numbered the professions mentioned, followed by a group discussion to share answers.
To enrich the lesson with technology, Saja introduced an interactive professions puzzle game, where students worked on assembling pictures and identifying the related professions. She also connected the concept to the national context through a motivating question:
“Who are the people that will build a free Palestine?”
She then drew a map of Palestine on the board and distributed small profession cards. Each student answered the question and placed their card on the map — a creative integration of learning, identity, and national belonging.
The lesson successfully achieved its intended objectives. Saja presented a practical model of learner-centered teaching, utilizing interactive questioning, educational tools, and technology. Her approach inspired fellow trainees to apply similar methods in their own lessons. Saja demonstrated high competence in both planning and implementation, skillfully combining dialogue-based teaching, practical activities, and the reinforcement of national values — offering an exemplary model of micro-teaching that reflected effective application of the teaching and learning strategies gained through the Summer Institute.