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.