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.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
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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