The Finalé

It's all over!!
This was a really fun experience. In the beginning my original idea was to create a phone case that could charge the phone through a built-in solar panel, until it was pointed out that it had already been made. That's when this idea came into play. Ms. Payne, my mentor, has taught me a lot over the years of working with her, and this year that includes, "Learning the kids' learning styles and will keep their minds open to new ideas." I got to spend a lot of time with the kids throughout these 8 weeks. They're incredible and way smarter than some may assume. They are so entirely capable of new things it's actually somewhat inspiring. Pretty much what I did was I went in every Friday at 8 in the morning and helped with whatever Ms. Payne needed, which sometimes included picking songs I thought would engage the kids. After Adoration, reminder that this is a Christian school I tutored at, I would help with math. Ms. Payne had the kids with the most trouble understanding the lesson and focusing, sit in the front so that it was easy for me to stay in a general area. I had to go to each of the struggling individuals and make sure they were staying on task, counting right, correcting their sometimes backwards numbers, and overall helping them focus. After math they would have a bit of indoor free time where I would play games, do puzzles, and read with the students. Sometimes if Ms. Payne's TA is gone I would have to practice leadership skills and walk them to different buildings or monitor their lunch times. I also might stay a little extra during the day and help her grade work, or file papers. Again, I have even gone on a field trip with the, creating yet another great bonding experience with me and the kids. Some may ask, "How can you spend that much time with a bunch of annoying little kids?" Well, I have been babysitting for about 6 years, and have worked in a couple different nurseries off and on since I was 9. This was such an enjoyable project that I have committed to helping a few teachers in their classrooms until they get out of school. And not to mention, that cool opportunity of getting to tutor a couple kids (for money) outside of this school project. Tutoring over these past 8 weeks has really expanded my education. I know what it's like to work with students who really have trouble to comprehend something and how I, as a tutor, need to act and carry myself in order for them to not get shut down. You have to exhibit patience and not act arrogant or that you are better than them for knowing more. I felt like I have made a difference in this classroom because after some of the struggling students had received some one on one help, they came back with amazingly improved grades on their paper, which of course brought a big smile to my face. Since I was a kid one of my dream jobs was to be a teacher, and if my criminal justice plan doesn't go so well, I think I have my backup.

My Anecdote

It has been an entertaining experience...

Well my project has been interesting. It has given me some opportunities to get to observe younger kids and what they do and/or don't like, how they learn, and what drives their learning experience. When I was younger I always wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher. I love working with little kids and seeing what interests them. When I was in middle school, I went to Bethel, and as my elective I was a teacher's aide for Ms. Payne; my mentor. It was an easy in and she loves when I help her. 

Although not the best picture, this is the classroom setting I have been working in for the past month. That is Ms. Payne (if she knew I was taking the picture she would've moved).I absolutely love working in this classroom. The kids are amazing and super talented. Who knew? 
If my future career plans for some reason don't happen to work the way I want it to, I think one of my backup jobs would be a Kindergarten or Preschool teacher. 
The picture at the bottom is at a choir and dance performance that I went to to support the kids. Those are some of the students I have worked with while doing this project. 

Persuasion

Find Ways to Engage the Kids

For those of you who have been following my blog, you know that it is about creating a way for high school students to volunteer their own time to go into elementary level classrooms to tudor the kids on what they struggle with. For example, I am helping in math and reading. It is pretty much whatever the teacher thinks needs to be worked on. I am here to tell you that the best possible way someone can tudor a kid, is to find a passion of theirs, and use it. This creates an excitement within the child and opens up their minds to receive learning. Not every person in a class of 25 kids will just want to sit there and listen to the teacher talk about why adding 2 + 2 gives you 4. People are different and they have their own ways of learning things. If you decide to tutor some students, ask the teacher if you can come in at their recess as well as the subject you will be teaching, and really spend time to get to know the children personally. It might shock you how some of them will be so similar and, yet, so different. I, for one, learn easily through music and hands-on activities, whereas one of my friends learns best through lectures. Finding that passion in a kid might be exactly what you need to obtain their attention and keep them engaged and wanting to learn.