Today was my last day working at the Kearsarge Elementary School in New London. I got to the office in the morning and a young girl came in for her usual appointment, and we played a game where we move small stones into different areas on a board and whoever has the most stones on their side wins, of course, she won. She told me how difficult it was for her with her parents getting a divorce and it is all new for her. I told her it was hard for me in the beginning too but it does get easier.
After that a young boy came in for his appointment and he brought a friend to play a game. All three of us played a game involving decimals that they were playing up in their classroom but they could not stop playing because it was so much fun. Then a couple students from 3rd grade came in for their "Mega Math" class and they were working on addition with baseball stats. I have worked with this class once before but still got plenty of hugs from all the kids.
Then it was time for lunch but since today is Tuesday, the office was only open for kids to have lunch if they have parents who are divorced. Every grade came in and my last class I got to eat lunch with was the 2nd graders. I got let out early because the only thing left to do was a guidance class and they were doing careers.
I left Mrs. Theroux with a gift I got for her and the students who go in her office. It was sad to leave the school because I learned so much; I learned that all children just want to be listened to (even if what they are telling you are whacky stories), I learned that being a guidance counselor is something that I might want to do as a profession, and I learned that being a guidance counselor, although can be a hectic job, is also a rewarding job. I cannot thank Peg Theroux enough for allowing me to help her these past few weeks and I cannot thank Proctor enough for allowing me to do this, it was an experience I will never forget.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day 10, Short and Somewhat Sweet
5/24/10, worked from 8:10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., written on 5/24
Another Monday! Today I walked into Mrs. Theroux's office to a note on the door asking if I could write down the student's names on post-its who are going up to 4th and 5th grade. While I was doing that, I saw a little girl who I have seen multiple times came in telling me all about her weekend. After I finished, I went to a classroom to observe a boy with Mrs. Theroux, and after a few minutes of that it was time for snack. On my way down to go greet the kids who were having snack in the office, I saw young student who I have been seen multiple times during lunch and during his sessions; he smiled when he saw me, ran over and said, "I will see you in 25 minutes." And then he ran off. I loved seeing his face light up when he saw me walking down the hall, it shows me that I might be making a difference in these kid's lives.
After snack, it was time to do yet another Measuring Scavenger hunt with the 3rd grade. I have probably memorized the whole worksheet I have done it so many times, but I love meeting all the new kids. Today’s group was a little difficult to handle; all of them seemed very tired and did not want to do to their work, but one girl, who came to visit me earlier this morning, was so tired and there were a few temper tantrums. I had honestly not dealt with kids who have temper tantrums since my babysitting days, but I got right back into it. I listened to her, and she told me how tired she was (which explained the mood shifts from very happy to extremely mad), so I gave her the choice of staying in Mrs. Theroux's room or helping us with the math. She decided to come with the rest of her classmates and me but she was none too happy. The rest of the students did very well once I said the sooner we get this done, the sooner they get to have lunch, but the little girl was still not cooperating. After about 30 minutes of measuring things throughout the school, it was time for the kids to go to lunch.
Mrs. Theroux let me go early because I did the math class so many times and she was going to be running to some more meetings about incoming students. I cannot believe tomorrow is my last day! Senior project has gone by so quickly, and I am anxious to tell the kids that I am leaving tomorrow.
Another Monday! Today I walked into Mrs. Theroux's office to a note on the door asking if I could write down the student's names on post-its who are going up to 4th and 5th grade. While I was doing that, I saw a little girl who I have seen multiple times came in telling me all about her weekend. After I finished, I went to a classroom to observe a boy with Mrs. Theroux, and after a few minutes of that it was time for snack. On my way down to go greet the kids who were having snack in the office, I saw young student who I have been seen multiple times during lunch and during his sessions; he smiled when he saw me, ran over and said, "I will see you in 25 minutes." And then he ran off. I loved seeing his face light up when he saw me walking down the hall, it shows me that I might be making a difference in these kid's lives.
After snack, it was time to do yet another Measuring Scavenger hunt with the 3rd grade. I have probably memorized the whole worksheet I have done it so many times, but I love meeting all the new kids. Today’s group was a little difficult to handle; all of them seemed very tired and did not want to do to their work, but one girl, who came to visit me earlier this morning, was so tired and there were a few temper tantrums. I had honestly not dealt with kids who have temper tantrums since my babysitting days, but I got right back into it. I listened to her, and she told me how tired she was (which explained the mood shifts from very happy to extremely mad), so I gave her the choice of staying in Mrs. Theroux's room or helping us with the math. She decided to come with the rest of her classmates and me but she was none too happy. The rest of the students did very well once I said the sooner we get this done, the sooner they get to have lunch, but the little girl was still not cooperating. After about 30 minutes of measuring things throughout the school, it was time for the kids to go to lunch.
Mrs. Theroux let me go early because I did the math class so many times and she was going to be running to some more meetings about incoming students. I cannot believe tomorrow is my last day! Senior project has gone by so quickly, and I am anxious to tell the kids that I am leaving tomorrow.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Weekly Reflection
Weekly Reflection
This week was a more independent week for me. I was able to counsel kids by myself, observe students in their classrooms, and go to a special education meeting. This week I have learned a lot about the professional side of being a guidance counselor and I also learned a lot about what counselors look at in their kids. There are certain behavioral traits or attitude changes that guidance counselors need to look for in order to see if certain students need to be seen weekly or not.
This week will be my final week at the Kearsarge Elementary School and I have already realized how said it will be to say goodbye to these students whom I have formed connections with. I love going down the halls and hearing “Hi Ms. D!” or just getting a wave from students I have seen once or twice. I love going to Ms. Theroux’s office every morning and getting a morning quote for a student to read to the whole school during the morning announcements or having kids just come in to say hi to Ms. Theroux and me.
I am a little anxious for this upcoming week. It’s hard for me to let go of people I have made connections with, even if they are little people. I also think it will be hard for kids to understand that someone is leaving. Even though it has been a short amount of time, I believe a lot of students have started to trust that I will be there everyday, and when I have to tell them that I will not be there after this week, it might be hard. We will see what happens, but I cannot believe that senior project has gone by so quickly.
This week was a more independent week for me. I was able to counsel kids by myself, observe students in their classrooms, and go to a special education meeting. This week I have learned a lot about the professional side of being a guidance counselor and I also learned a lot about what counselors look at in their kids. There are certain behavioral traits or attitude changes that guidance counselors need to look for in order to see if certain students need to be seen weekly or not.
This week will be my final week at the Kearsarge Elementary School and I have already realized how said it will be to say goodbye to these students whom I have formed connections with. I love going down the halls and hearing “Hi Ms. D!” or just getting a wave from students I have seen once or twice. I love going to Ms. Theroux’s office every morning and getting a morning quote for a student to read to the whole school during the morning announcements or having kids just come in to say hi to Ms. Theroux and me.
I am a little anxious for this upcoming week. It’s hard for me to let go of people I have made connections with, even if they are little people. I also think it will be hard for kids to understand that someone is leaving. Even though it has been a short amount of time, I believe a lot of students have started to trust that I will be there everyday, and when I have to tell them that I will not be there after this week, it might be hard. We will see what happens, but I cannot believe that senior project has gone by so quickly.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 9, Observing
5/21/2010, worked from 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., written on 5/21
I step into Ms. Theroux's office this morning and the first thing, a young girl came into the office in tears because a girl was bullying her on the bus. The next thing we knew, the girl who was supposedly bullying her came into the office to defend herself. Of course more tears were shed and the young girl who came in first decided to stay in the office because the girl who was supposedly bullying her was in her class. She stayed in with me for about an hour and we just talked. We talked about everything from animals to card tricks (I learned a pretty cool magic trick from her). It was interesting to hear what the girl said, she definitely had a rough morning and she needed to just talk and talk and talk, so that is what she did. I realized right there that every child just wants to be listened to, no matter what, even if what they are telling you is scattered and crazy, people just need to listen to them.
After, I went with Ms. Theroux to observe a student in their classroom. Basically, we just write down what the child does during their class and see if it relates to anything like ADD or depression. Everything could be written down and support one thing or another. We can not let the student know we are observing them so that was a little tricky because everyone was so curious to know what we were doing in their classroom. Then we went across the hall and observed another child. Ms. Theroux then released me early because she was going to go to more meetings after the observation and shut down her room.
Another good week and I cannot believe senior project is flying by so quickly.
I step into Ms. Theroux's office this morning and the first thing, a young girl came into the office in tears because a girl was bullying her on the bus. The next thing we knew, the girl who was supposedly bullying her came into the office to defend herself. Of course more tears were shed and the young girl who came in first decided to stay in the office because the girl who was supposedly bullying her was in her class. She stayed in with me for about an hour and we just talked. We talked about everything from animals to card tricks (I learned a pretty cool magic trick from her). It was interesting to hear what the girl said, she definitely had a rough morning and she needed to just talk and talk and talk, so that is what she did. I realized right there that every child just wants to be listened to, no matter what, even if what they are telling you is scattered and crazy, people just need to listen to them.
After, I went with Ms. Theroux to observe a student in their classroom. Basically, we just write down what the child does during their class and see if it relates to anything like ADD or depression. Everything could be written down and support one thing or another. We can not let the student know we are observing them so that was a little tricky because everyone was so curious to know what we were doing in their classroom. Then we went across the hall and observed another child. Ms. Theroux then released me early because she was going to go to more meetings after the observation and shut down her room.
Another good week and I cannot believe senior project is flying by so quickly.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 8, New Experiences and New Lessons
5/20/10, worked from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., written on 5/20
After being very brain dead yesterday due to having to take an AP exam, today was a breath of fresh air. First, after being rushed due to the 3 miles of construction that I ran into on my way to the school this morning, I had the opportunity of going to middle school with a group of 5th graders. I had never seen the school and it seemed like all the kids were nervous to see it for the first time, they were very tense and did not talk much on the bus. After meeting the assistant principal, the kids got a tour of the school and of course being considered an adult I got to go too. I was amazed to see the kids get less tense as we saw more of the school and when we met more teachers. I was also amazed to see all the rooms! There were two band rooms, a wood shop, a technology lab, and it was great to see all the kids get excited for middle school.
When we got back, I helped look after kindergarteners during their recess. I helped a group of boys figure out their soccer teams and got to be the referee for their game. Then I went in for a quick and hectic lunch with a group of all boys that come in every Thursday with a friend that has a session. After that, I went to look after the afternoon kindergarten recess and I met two girls that are considered the "tomboys" of the class. The teacher proctor told me, "Watch those two girls, and don’t let the dresses fool you!" Of course they were so excited to see a new face and asked me if I could walk them back to their class. I went behind their class and they came back to hold both of my hands as I walked them back to their classroom. The proctor smiled as we walked by and was surprised to see the two tomboys holding hands at all.
Then it was time to meet Ms. Theroux at the Special Education rooms for a meeting. I was so excited to see the group of teachers talk about what was going to be happening over the summer for the students who need more help with their schoolwork. I loved going to a real staff meeting and seeing what happens when all of them meet. It was a great experience and they even included me in parts of the meeting.
Then I had to type up another list for Ms. Theroux that included all the names of the people moving up to the third grade. Then a little boy came and knocked on the door in tears. I told him that Ms. Theroux wasn't here but I could talk to him. He came in and started telling me about what happened on the playground and what is happening at home. He really wanted to talk to Ms. Theroux but I thought it would help to have him just say everything he needed to say. I finished typing up the list and brought the computer to Ms. Theroux at her second meeting. She let me go early because it was such a beautiful day and because she had more meetings to go to. I cannot believe these two weeks have gone by so quickly and now that I am making more connections with these kids, I am realizing it is going to be hard to leave next week.
After being very brain dead yesterday due to having to take an AP exam, today was a breath of fresh air. First, after being rushed due to the 3 miles of construction that I ran into on my way to the school this morning, I had the opportunity of going to middle school with a group of 5th graders. I had never seen the school and it seemed like all the kids were nervous to see it for the first time, they were very tense and did not talk much on the bus. After meeting the assistant principal, the kids got a tour of the school and of course being considered an adult I got to go too. I was amazed to see the kids get less tense as we saw more of the school and when we met more teachers. I was also amazed to see all the rooms! There were two band rooms, a wood shop, a technology lab, and it was great to see all the kids get excited for middle school.
When we got back, I helped look after kindergarteners during their recess. I helped a group of boys figure out their soccer teams and got to be the referee for their game. Then I went in for a quick and hectic lunch with a group of all boys that come in every Thursday with a friend that has a session. After that, I went to look after the afternoon kindergarten recess and I met two girls that are considered the "tomboys" of the class. The teacher proctor told me, "Watch those two girls, and don’t let the dresses fool you!" Of course they were so excited to see a new face and asked me if I could walk them back to their class. I went behind their class and they came back to hold both of my hands as I walked them back to their classroom. The proctor smiled as we walked by and was surprised to see the two tomboys holding hands at all.
Then it was time to meet Ms. Theroux at the Special Education rooms for a meeting. I was so excited to see the group of teachers talk about what was going to be happening over the summer for the students who need more help with their schoolwork. I loved going to a real staff meeting and seeing what happens when all of them meet. It was a great experience and they even included me in parts of the meeting.
Then I had to type up another list for Ms. Theroux that included all the names of the people moving up to the third grade. Then a little boy came and knocked on the door in tears. I told him that Ms. Theroux wasn't here but I could talk to him. He came in and started telling me about what happened on the playground and what is happening at home. He really wanted to talk to Ms. Theroux but I thought it would help to have him just say everything he needed to say. I finished typing up the list and brought the computer to Ms. Theroux at her second meeting. She let me go early because it was such a beautiful day and because she had more meetings to go to. I cannot believe these two weeks have gone by so quickly and now that I am making more connections with these kids, I am realizing it is going to be hard to leave next week.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 7, On My Own
Today I was able to stay in Ms. Theroux's office while she went to observe a student and his behaviors. I was able to talk to students during their appointments, but out of three students who had morning sessions, only one came. I talked to him about what was going on at school and then he taught me a game (which of course he won). After that, it was time for kids to start pouring in for lunch, but on Tuesdays, only kids who have divorced parents can come into her office. She got a new book about a little bird whose parents recently were "not singing the same song," and had to get "two different nests." It was interesting to hear the kid's perspectives on how different their lives were once their parents separated. It was easy for me to relate because my parents are also divorced so more kids felt like they could talk to me.
After that, it was time for another guidance class. We talked about conversational skills and what kids can do to talk to other students they may have never talked to before. Then we continued on our lesson with different point of views and told all the kids to draw a picture with only three circles and three squares. There were not many drawings that were similar (of course a couple kids drew trains, trucks, and spongebobs) but it was interesting to have all the kids look at each others drawings and talk about what they saw in the drawings. One girl pulled me over so that I could see that she was drawing a truck and she even drew me driving it and she gave it to me at the end of class.
At the end of the day, I got to see Ms. Theroux help three girls through their friendship issues they have had. It was helpful to see what an actual guidance counselor does to help kids. I learned a lot about the type of advice to give and what to do when others are talking over whoever is speaking first. It has been nice to see more and more counseling sessions and they have been very helpful for me to see if I could be a counselor.
After that, it was time for another guidance class. We talked about conversational skills and what kids can do to talk to other students they may have never talked to before. Then we continued on our lesson with different point of views and told all the kids to draw a picture with only three circles and three squares. There were not many drawings that were similar (of course a couple kids drew trains, trucks, and spongebobs) but it was interesting to have all the kids look at each others drawings and talk about what they saw in the drawings. One girl pulled me over so that I could see that she was drawing a truck and she even drew me driving it and she gave it to me at the end of class.
At the end of the day, I got to see Ms. Theroux help three girls through their friendship issues they have had. It was helpful to see what an actual guidance counselor does to help kids. I learned a lot about the type of advice to give and what to do when others are talking over whoever is speaking first. It has been nice to see more and more counseling sessions and they have been very helpful for me to see if I could be a counselor.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 6, Observation
5/17/10, worked from 8:10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., written on 5/17 at 3:15 p.m.
Today was another good day. I got to hear all about the kid's weekends and since I have been there for a week, more kids wanted to talk to just me (apparently I'm cool!). This morning, a young girl walked in looking for Ms. Theroux and she asked "Is Ms. Theroux here?" I answered that she was getting something from the supply room and then she asked, "Well, can I talk to you?" That question made me so happy because it showed that this young girl trusted me and was able to talk to me about her life even though I had only met her once.
During lunch, students from all different types of grades came in to play games and tell Ms. Theroux and me about their weekends. It was another hectic hour long period of kids rushing in and out of the office but it was fun to see all the students after the weekend.
I also got to observe a counseling section between two friends who were having problems with another. It was interesting to see how a trained guidance counselor handles certain situations. It was helpful to see what I may be able to do if I choose in a career in counseling.
To end my day, I worked on making post - its with the names of students who are entering 1st and 2nd grade. It was a nice day and I am excited to know that more and more students are trusting me and feel that they can talk to me.
Today was another good day. I got to hear all about the kid's weekends and since I have been there for a week, more kids wanted to talk to just me (apparently I'm cool!). This morning, a young girl walked in looking for Ms. Theroux and she asked "Is Ms. Theroux here?" I answered that she was getting something from the supply room and then she asked, "Well, can I talk to you?" That question made me so happy because it showed that this young girl trusted me and was able to talk to me about her life even though I had only met her once.
During lunch, students from all different types of grades came in to play games and tell Ms. Theroux and me about their weekends. It was another hectic hour long period of kids rushing in and out of the office but it was fun to see all the students after the weekend.
I also got to observe a counseling section between two friends who were having problems with another. It was interesting to see how a trained guidance counselor handles certain situations. It was helpful to see what I may be able to do if I choose in a career in counseling.
To end my day, I worked on making post - its with the names of students who are entering 1st and 2nd grade. It was a nice day and I am excited to know that more and more students are trusting me and feel that they can talk to me.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Weekly Reflection
I am astonished at everything that I have gotten to participate in this week with Ms. Theroux. This week at the elementary school was more hectic than a week at Proctor; with the NECAPs (the standardized tests), the 5th grade leadership conference, and just looking after smaller kids during recess was a lot of work. Everyday I was more and more exhausted but I also learned more about each kid that I saw.
I am so excited to know that I have made a slight difference in these kids lives just by listening to them. I have a new nickname (Ms. D) and I get hugs left and right when I come in the building. I learned that every child just wants someone to listen, even if they are telling you a story or telling you what is going on at home, they just want you to look them in the eye and really listen to what they have to say. Next week I am working with older kids with friend issues (focusing mainly of girls I believe) and I am excited to do that because I went to an all girls school so I know all about the “girl issues.”
Although I am beyond exhausted every day, it is so rewarding to see them outside the classroom to get hugs and my nickname hollered across the hallways. It’s been a great first week and I am so excited for next week.
I am so excited to know that I have made a slight difference in these kids lives just by listening to them. I have a new nickname (Ms. D) and I get hugs left and right when I come in the building. I learned that every child just wants someone to listen, even if they are telling you a story or telling you what is going on at home, they just want you to look them in the eye and really listen to what they have to say. Next week I am working with older kids with friend issues (focusing mainly of girls I believe) and I am excited to do that because I went to an all girls school so I know all about the “girl issues.”
Although I am beyond exhausted every day, it is so rewarding to see them outside the classroom to get hugs and my nickname hollered across the hallways. It’s been a great first week and I am so excited for next week.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Day 5, IT'S THE WEEKEND!
5/14/10, worked from 8:10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., written on 5/14
TGIF was the theme for today for the kids. Everyone was energetic for the busy and stressful week to be over and to start his or her exciting weekend. Sleepovers, play dates, etc. was all I heard about. This morning I went to another guidance class today for one of the 5th grade classes and we talked about what happens when people block one another out. We read a short story about how all the people in one town built walls around their house so they were blocking people out because of what they did, or who was in their house. Then there was a small activity where the kids had to answer questions about the story and again I was blown away by how intuitive these young children are. Some of the answers they were coming up with I had never even thought of.
After that, I helped look after the 3rd graders during their recess and got to see "Little dude" for the first time and I was so excited to hear him say, "I missed you!" It was music to my ears to hear that I actually helped these kids, and after he hugged me, I got hugs from kids I had never even seen, but they had heard of me, so it was the cool thing to come and hug me. I love knowing that even the little things I do help the kids.
After recess I helped Ms. Theroux with some paper work that needed to be done before I was sent home early. I am excited for the weekend and to see what is in store for me next week.
A good first week at Kearsarge in New London!
TGIF was the theme for today for the kids. Everyone was energetic for the busy and stressful week to be over and to start his or her exciting weekend. Sleepovers, play dates, etc. was all I heard about. This morning I went to another guidance class today for one of the 5th grade classes and we talked about what happens when people block one another out. We read a short story about how all the people in one town built walls around their house so they were blocking people out because of what they did, or who was in their house. Then there was a small activity where the kids had to answer questions about the story and again I was blown away by how intuitive these young children are. Some of the answers they were coming up with I had never even thought of.
After that, I helped look after the 3rd graders during their recess and got to see "Little dude" for the first time and I was so excited to hear him say, "I missed you!" It was music to my ears to hear that I actually helped these kids, and after he hugged me, I got hugs from kids I had never even seen, but they had heard of me, so it was the cool thing to come and hug me. I love knowing that even the little things I do help the kids.
After recess I helped Ms. Theroux with some paper work that needed to be done before I was sent home early. I am excited for the weekend and to see what is in store for me next week.
A good first week at Kearsarge in New London!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Day 4, Getting the Hang of Things
5/13/10, worked from 8:10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., written on 5/13 at 3:15 p.m.
Today was a slower day than usual. The 4th graders completed their final day of standardized testing, so it was the last morning I would get to hang out with the young boy, who I call "Little dude," outside of his classroom. We worked on math and we finished his vocabulary book. After 30 minutes of just working we went for a quick walk and I read a book to him about mice. It was fun to just talk to him for awhile because when he gets comfortable, he likes to tell "stories" about what he does daily. For example, after I told him I will be working at an ice cream shop this summer, he told me he had to close down the ice cream shop he works at last night and that was why he was so tired.
After all the 4th graders were done with their tests, I went to help look after the kindergarten students during recess for about 30 minutes and helped look after two more kindergarten classes later that afternoon. During lunch, one student brought a couple friends to his appointment and I got to meet and talk to them. Other than that, I pretty much stayed in the guidance room and chatted about some students who I get to see next week.
It has been a hectic week and having one slow day was really perfect. I got to leave earlier than usual and I got to meet some new students. Another good day at the office of Ms. Theroux's.
Today was a slower day than usual. The 4th graders completed their final day of standardized testing, so it was the last morning I would get to hang out with the young boy, who I call "Little dude," outside of his classroom. We worked on math and we finished his vocabulary book. After 30 minutes of just working we went for a quick walk and I read a book to him about mice. It was fun to just talk to him for awhile because when he gets comfortable, he likes to tell "stories" about what he does daily. For example, after I told him I will be working at an ice cream shop this summer, he told me he had to close down the ice cream shop he works at last night and that was why he was so tired.
After all the 4th graders were done with their tests, I went to help look after the kindergarten students during recess for about 30 minutes and helped look after two more kindergarten classes later that afternoon. During lunch, one student brought a couple friends to his appointment and I got to meet and talk to them. Other than that, I pretty much stayed in the guidance room and chatted about some students who I get to see next week.
It has been a hectic week and having one slow day was really perfect. I got to leave earlier than usual and I got to meet some new students. Another good day at the office of Ms. Theroux's.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Day 3, Leadership
5/12/10, worked from 8:10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., written on 5/12 at 6 p.m.
Today was my third day and it was the second day of standardized testing for the 4th graders. While many of the 4th grade students took the test, I got to hang out with the same young boy from yesterday. We worked on more addition and subtraction, but I also helped him with some word exercises. After 30 minutes of non - stop work, I read a Curious George book to him in the library. It was fun to learn more about this young boy and to form more connections.
After the tests were done, I went to show the young boy's teacher what we had completed while she was monitoring the test, and I was shocked to hear all these students calling me "Ms. D!" I loved having all the students remembering me but to also have a nickname just made my day. Whenever I walk down the halls, I always hear young students yelling, "Hi Ms. D!" and it makes my day.
After a hectic morning of testing, it was time for Ms. Theroux, the 5th grade students in the leadership program, and me to go to the leadership meeting in Bradford. The students got a tour of the school and then we all met with the principle and the guidance counselor at the school. The students had an opportunity to voice their opinions about the leadership program as a whole and then it was time for a group activity. We all went outside and held hands in a circle. Then, a hula hoop was put in between us and we all had to pass the hula hoop around the circle by passing through it with our bodies. Then we added another hula hoop and while it was difficult we got it around the whole circle in 36 seconds. It was then time for discussion; the students had an opportunity to talk about what they would do if they saw something that was against the rules; I had made up some situations the night before and I was so impressed to hear what these young students had to say. They all sounded so responsible for their age and it was very evident why they were chosen to be in the leadership program.
Before we left, there was time for a quick recess where there were a few incidents due a lack of knowledge of the recess rules at the school, so when we got back we had a quick discussion about what had happened. Overall, it was another good day; I learned a lot about the kids, got a nickname, and although it was tiring and hectic, it was also a lot of fun. I am looking forward to tomorrow.
Today was my third day and it was the second day of standardized testing for the 4th graders. While many of the 4th grade students took the test, I got to hang out with the same young boy from yesterday. We worked on more addition and subtraction, but I also helped him with some word exercises. After 30 minutes of non - stop work, I read a Curious George book to him in the library. It was fun to learn more about this young boy and to form more connections.
After the tests were done, I went to show the young boy's teacher what we had completed while she was monitoring the test, and I was shocked to hear all these students calling me "Ms. D!" I loved having all the students remembering me but to also have a nickname just made my day. Whenever I walk down the halls, I always hear young students yelling, "Hi Ms. D!" and it makes my day.
After a hectic morning of testing, it was time for Ms. Theroux, the 5th grade students in the leadership program, and me to go to the leadership meeting in Bradford. The students got a tour of the school and then we all met with the principle and the guidance counselor at the school. The students had an opportunity to voice their opinions about the leadership program as a whole and then it was time for a group activity. We all went outside and held hands in a circle. Then, a hula hoop was put in between us and we all had to pass the hula hoop around the circle by passing through it with our bodies. Then we added another hula hoop and while it was difficult we got it around the whole circle in 36 seconds. It was then time for discussion; the students had an opportunity to talk about what they would do if they saw something that was against the rules; I had made up some situations the night before and I was so impressed to hear what these young students had to say. They all sounded so responsible for their age and it was very evident why they were chosen to be in the leadership program.
Before we left, there was time for a quick recess where there were a few incidents due a lack of knowledge of the recess rules at the school, so when we got back we had a quick discussion about what had happened. Overall, it was another good day; I learned a lot about the kids, got a nickname, and although it was tiring and hectic, it was also a lot of fun. I am looking forward to tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Day 2, Guidance in Classrooms
5/11/10, worked from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., written on 5/11 at 3 p.m.
After being a few minutes late due to construction on major roads, I finally reached Ms. Theroux's office where teachers were running in and out trying to get their 4th grade students ready for standardized tests for science. I helped cut out the log in tickets the students needed for their test while teachers tried to get students set up for their test on the computers they would be using. While other students were taking these tests, I got to help a young boy who was not taking the tests. His teacher gave me subtraction, addition, and spelling excercises to do with him. It was a great experience to help this boy with work; we worked on spelling first and then went on to addition, and after about 20 minutes of working we got to play with blocks during his break. After a quick break he finished the subtraction worksheet and the rest of the spelling worksheet. While the rest of the students were still finishing up their standardized tests, we looked at a book about crocodiles. It was a lot of fun to help this young boy with work and being able to form a connection.
After tests were finished, a group of students came into Ms. Theroux's office to do some math. Today, I helped the team of girls measure certain things around the school like the length of one stair or the lengths in between two classrooms. It was fun helping the girls convert inches to feet and I also got to see where all the classrooms were.
After the math scavenger hunt was completed, it was time for lunch and instead of having dozens of kids run into the office as usual, today, kids who have divorced parents came for lunch. Girls and boys from grades 2 to 5 came in to have lunch with other kids who had divorced parents, and it was interesting to see because my parents are also divorced.
For my final activity, I got to go to a classroom with Ms. Theroux for a guidance class. We talked about how small misunderstandings do not need to ruin friendships. We then talked about different perspectives and different point of views. I was so impressed to see how all the kids could make connections while talking about how people see things differently.
Overall today was a lot of fun and helped me learn a lot about the students. Tomorrow I will be going to a different school with Ms.Theroux and I am eager to see what other schools in the area do for guidance in this age group.
After being a few minutes late due to construction on major roads, I finally reached Ms. Theroux's office where teachers were running in and out trying to get their 4th grade students ready for standardized tests for science. I helped cut out the log in tickets the students needed for their test while teachers tried to get students set up for their test on the computers they would be using. While other students were taking these tests, I got to help a young boy who was not taking the tests. His teacher gave me subtraction, addition, and spelling excercises to do with him. It was a great experience to help this boy with work; we worked on spelling first and then went on to addition, and after about 20 minutes of working we got to play with blocks during his break. After a quick break he finished the subtraction worksheet and the rest of the spelling worksheet. While the rest of the students were still finishing up their standardized tests, we looked at a book about crocodiles. It was a lot of fun to help this young boy with work and being able to form a connection.
After tests were finished, a group of students came into Ms. Theroux's office to do some math. Today, I helped the team of girls measure certain things around the school like the length of one stair or the lengths in between two classrooms. It was fun helping the girls convert inches to feet and I also got to see where all the classrooms were.
After the math scavenger hunt was completed, it was time for lunch and instead of having dozens of kids run into the office as usual, today, kids who have divorced parents came for lunch. Girls and boys from grades 2 to 5 came in to have lunch with other kids who had divorced parents, and it was interesting to see because my parents are also divorced.
For my final activity, I got to go to a classroom with Ms. Theroux for a guidance class. We talked about how small misunderstandings do not need to ruin friendships. We then talked about different perspectives and different point of views. I was so impressed to see how all the kids could make connections while talking about how people see things differently.
Overall today was a lot of fun and helped me learn a lot about the students. Tomorrow I will be going to a different school with Ms.Theroux and I am eager to see what other schools in the area do for guidance in this age group.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Day 1, Meeting and Greeting
5/10/10, worked from 8:10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., written on 5/10/10 at 4:07 p.m.
Today was my first day working at the Kearsarge Elementary School and I could not have had a better first day. After getting to meet the very nice and sweet Ms. Peg Theroux, the children started pouring in. First thing in the morning, kids started coming into her office to eat snack and talk about their weekends. At first, some kids seemed tentative to come in and see a new and older girl in her office, but after just asking their name and how their day was, there was a connection formed between the kids and me. During snack time, there were only about four or five kids at a time, but when lunch started, kids poured in and about 10 to 12 kids fit into Ms. Theroux's office. I got to play games with kids, talk to them about their lives and learned a lot about many of the girls and boys. Every child's face just sparkled when they saw Ms. Theroux and after talking to some kids even just for five minutes, I got hugs from them when they left.
I also got to help out with organizing some test booklets for the fourth graders. They are going to be taking a standardized science tests tomorrow and so I got to help label which test was going to be taken by which child. There were a few kids who just popped into her office to talk about issues or just because they wanted a break from their classroom. At about 2:30, I left exhausted, but it was a great first day. I cannot wait to get to know these kids better throughout the next two weeks
Today was my first day working at the Kearsarge Elementary School and I could not have had a better first day. After getting to meet the very nice and sweet Ms. Peg Theroux, the children started pouring in. First thing in the morning, kids started coming into her office to eat snack and talk about their weekends. At first, some kids seemed tentative to come in and see a new and older girl in her office, but after just asking their name and how their day was, there was a connection formed between the kids and me. During snack time, there were only about four or five kids at a time, but when lunch started, kids poured in and about 10 to 12 kids fit into Ms. Theroux's office. I got to play games with kids, talk to them about their lives and learned a lot about many of the girls and boys. Every child's face just sparkled when they saw Ms. Theroux and after talking to some kids even just for five minutes, I got hugs from them when they left.
I also got to help out with organizing some test booklets for the fourth graders. They are going to be taking a standardized science tests tomorrow and so I got to help label which test was going to be taken by which child. There were a few kids who just popped into her office to talk about issues or just because they wanted a break from their classroom. At about 2:30, I left exhausted, but it was a great first day. I cannot wait to get to know these kids better throughout the next two weeks
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