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.
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