2nd Observation

This time around, patience is the word to keep in mind...

The fourth graders have had enough of this after school program. As an observer I can tell they do not want to be there and the only reason they are their is because their mother of grandmother signed the form. So many times I just wanted to speak with the students and let them know the change they are making in the program by being there. But since I am just an observer, I cannot interact with the students.

Hopefully, next week or the week after, I will be able to work with the students and provide my support and guidance. Being that I have worked in this school before, I know some of the students and made personal connections with them. I need to let them know that they are making a difference and impacting the first graders in some way.

Until next week...

Observation

This week it was observation week; madness...

I observed a lesson for the 21st Century after school program. The teachers that work with the students in this program are volunteers; they teach at the school during regular hours, then give their time until about 6:00pm Monday-Friday. The particular lesson I observed was with a new teacher because the other teachers were not committed to the program. There were about 12 students, first and fourth graders combined. The first graders are considered little buddies and the fourth graders are big buddies. The students knew their teacher was new to the program and took advantage of that. It was so hard just to sit back and observe; I wanted to get the students attention and give them some kind (any kind) of structure. Since it is a new program for the teacher, she really didn't know what to do so she was reading from the lesson guide. While she was reading the students would do whatever they wanted; talking to neighbors, drawing on tables, etc. 

All I can say from my experience is behavioral issues. Being that I did my internship at this particular school, I know how to deal with the students and know their background. About 1/3 of the students involved in this program are homeless and need/want all the attention they can grasp. Yet, at the same time, they need the structure to provide them with some sense of stability. I was anxious the whole time I was observing due to the fact that I knew most of the students from my internship and I know they were just trying to see how far they can push the teacher. Next week, I believer I'll be back at the school to observe once again...I am going to focus on student attitude and behavior towards the teacher and material.

Until next time next week...

Second Week- Casselberry ES

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This week I was at Casselberry ES, which was quiet awesome! It was great to be back to a school where I had spent my senior internship, working with great students and teachers. I saw some of my old students, which was amazing, yet I was reminded of the troubles some of these students face. I visited the food pantry, and drop off some clothes I had been waiting to donate. I actually saw a student wearing a sweater I had donated to the school closet during my internship.

But this week I was there to help assess students I first and fourth grade. Working one on one with students is a great experience. It not only allows me to get to know the students and make them feel comfortable with me, but also enables me to make note of what knowledge they are grasping. Being that I have a sort time with these students, the walk from the library to the classroom is a vital moment where I have open conversation with the students and we get to know each other (or at least try).

Next week, back to Midway…

First Week in Sanford

About two weeks ago, 1/16/13, to be exact I started working with first and fourth grade students in after school programs at elementary schools in Sanford and Casselberry. Going back to Casselberry, which I did last week, was very exciting because that is where I completed my second internship for my undergrad degree. Both schools are Title 1 (low-income schools), so I was extremely excited to volunteer at these schools and share my new knowledge with the students. I had never been to Sanford before, but I was ready for a new experience. First I worked with the first grade students, assessing them individually and later worked with the fourth graders as a group.

When I walked into the school in Sanford it was a bit chaotic at first; I had no idea who I was suppose to speak to or when she wanted me to start my assessing. All eyes were on me! The lost volunteer in the front of the building, but after about 5 minutes I finally found the person I was looking for. She gave me all my material and I began to work with my first-first grade students. After I completed my first assignment, I stopped, took a deep breath, and was glad I was there to work with the students. In the next couple of weeks I will be working with the first and fourth graders as reading buddies, so I will have a lot more to share! Although it was a bit overwhelming at first, I am excited to be working with these schools for the next couple of months and keeping you up to date throughout the process!  

-Jasmin