Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Teaching


Almost our students were in class when we went, our teacher said two students were out sick. All of our students are from a spanish speaking country or are first generation americans. The entire class our teacher speaks spanish to the students, all of their activities are in spanish as well. The students primarily speak spanish, however when we are there they like to practice english and show us what they know. I like it because i practice my Spanish and they help me and i help them learn english, it is pretty rewarding when you teach them something. The basic set up of the classroom is like my primary school. The schools setup is a lot different there is a lot of open space which is a layout difference between florida and pennsylvania. They sing and use computers which we never did in 1st grade but that is more of the demographics and changes with the times. This is my second time being a volunteer in the florida school system. I used to work at the winter park 9th grade center as a tutor. I think the mentoring to these kids will help to make them excited about school and their future as students. When students see kids in college it opens their eyes to the idea and makes them excited about the idea. 

The hardest part about this was the actual teaching. We learned how hard it really is to be a teacher, I have a new respect for the teachers I have now and in my past. 

Friday, September 21, 2012

After the information session, but before the storm


There are a lot of emotions running through my mind right now. As we get closer to our first visit to the school. I am anxious to see the class and how they interact with each other. This visit will help us to determine which children are outgoing and which ones are shy. I am nervous to speak in Spanish because I feel like the students will be better at Spanish than me. However after reviewing the materials I feel confident if I prepare thoroughly I will be fine in the classroom. I am also excited to meet my teacher, it is also very nerve wrecking because I do not know what to expect.  I do like that we get to go and see the classroom before going to have to work there, because we can map out where we do our activities and where we can hang our posters. I am also excited to interact with the students, I feel like I have a personality that meshes well with young children, because I am a child at heart. I like that they are always enthusiastic about everything and that they are honest all the time. With all my positives I am extremely nervous to start this project, and will need to practice my Spanish a lot before entering the classroom.