Reflection

During my Capstone project, as a tutor, I had to use a lot of critical thinking. I never noticed how hard tutors have it but it was difficult for me because I had to think about how to explain something I know, to someone who has no idea about anything about it. On top of that, each child learns differently so I had to find different and creative ways to teach them a subject. For example, one child learned how to add and subtract by using tally marks, however, another child wasn't fully grasping the idea of tally marks so I had to use pictures of the object being counted in the problem. I had a lot of fun teaching a child how to do division, especially when I got to use candy!

Working at an after school program, I feel as though I have gained a lot of experience. At least more experience than what I was expected. I honestly expected to really just tell someone how to do their homework and just play with them but I've actually realized a lot of things. I feel as though I respect teachers more than I did before because it really is truly hard to teach someone something, especially if they don't care so much to learn it. It's difficult trying to explain to them how important that knowledge is for the future when they just won't believe you. I also loved having the opportunity to work with and be a kid again. In my life, I've had to mature faster than most children my age. But it was nice having the chance to play outside and communicate with them. It's amazing how smart these children are! Because of their young age you don't expect them to know so much, but it amazes me how much more they might even know than me!

I was really quiet and shy at first because I didn't really know exactly what to do or how to help them. A lot of the kids needed my help so it was hard to try to divide the time I spend helping a child. I did have feelings of frustration when a child couldn't understand what I was trying to explain. I'm not a patient person so having to learn how to keep calm and mannered was difficult for me. Like I said in my presentation, I can't just yell at them as I do with my own siblings! I overcame this feeling by just counting to 10 and try to figure out a different way to teach them. But there's only so much you can do with a child who doesn't really care to learn it. When it came to that, it did have to come down to threaten to take away privileges, such as being able to play outside or having to put their head down. Taking something like that away isn't as easy as I though.

5/2

3-6 Today is going to be my last day until dance show ends with the rehearsals and everything. I'm really going to miss them, even though I know I'm definitely not going to stop coming by even after this Capstone project is over. Talked to the boys about games. It's easier for me to talk to boys because we share a lot of the same interests. Girls not so much. I'm not that into Justin Bieber or One Direction or having a "BFF". I just like playing games and listening to cool music. Some of the boys play Minecraft (online game) and we had a lot to talk about! (Like how much I suck at it because one of the monsters always manage to kill me.) My little cousin attends the after school program and it was nice over hearing a friend of theirs tell them that I'm "pretty cool." It is pretty cool being called cool, even by a little kid.

4/30

3-6 Today was sooooo tiring, mostly because I couldn't sleep last night and stayed up late. Another normal day of tutoring, supervising, and giving out snacks. It's hard not choosing favorites with giving out milks because all the kids want chocolate but only half of them can get some. But I know fair is fair, so to make it fair, I mixed the milk cartons up and looked away when grabbing one to hand the kids. These children actually eat the vegetables and fruits given to them! I wish I had that good of a diet. The children always ask if I'm coming back the next day. I'm starting to really want to just apply for Park and Rec. It's nice working at a place you enjoy.

4/29

3-6 Today was a normal day. Helped the children with homework. Played 4 corners. I never realized how it's still fun to play little kids games. It's nice to know I didn't grow up too much. These kids make me feel like I don't have to have it all put together right now, life I mean. That sometimes it's okay to have a relaxing day with games. I miss being a kid when I didn't know any better sometimes. So it's nice to be able to work with them.

4/26

3-6 I got to park and rec to find all the children playing. I was confused and asked "You guys all done with homework already?" and all the kids looked at me like I was crazy! They said "Uhh, we don't have homework. It's Friday, DUH." Haha, nice going looking stupid Roselle. And I couldn't help but laugh when I saw a little boy bothering another boy about what he and his friend were talking about. The child getting irritated kept yelling out "M.Y.O.B. (Mind your own business) repeatedly. It's just weird actually hearing a child speak in acronyms. We played dodgeball which I tried to avoid because these boys can throw HARD. When I throw the ball the speed is NOT great at all.

4/25

3-6 Today I felt really bad because a lot of the kids needed help with their homework. A lot of them were just trying to get answers out of me instead of me actually helping them, and since it's how high school usually goes it was hard for me. But I knew that wouldn't be right, and I didn't want to do that to them. So I tried my hardest trying to explain. Fractions get me. It's hard to explain it easy enough for me to fully grasp what they're trying to do with fractions. Thankfully my mentor brought out a small white board and showed him how to do the first problem so I had an idea of how to teach the child. I felt really bad though because the kids had issues understanding because English isn't his first language and because he wasn't done with his work he couldn't play outside with the other children.

4/24

3-6 The kids were being extra loud today so they had to put their heads down for the longest time. It was hard not to talk to them when they tried to talk to me but I knew that would make them think it was okay for them to start talking. Most of the kids run up to me now when they see me. Almost to the point they pull me to the ground! I'm starting to share bonds with these children and I'm starting to understand how some teachers call their students as children of their own. You really do start caring for them and want the best.

4/17

Park and Rec from 3-6. Tutored kids with their homework. Helping them are starting to get really frustrating with they're homework. Today, a little girl refused to read me the work "The", when I know she knew it. So it was hard to help her. They got to play outside and some of these children are dare devils!

4/11

Helped out at Park and Rec from 3-6 after school. Watched the kids play for about 10 minutes, making sure they weren't being too rough with each other or doing anything dangerous. Went back into the cafeteria and helped a couple kids do their homework. It was a lot to deal with considering I had 4 different kids needing help at the same time, each yelling for my attention. Tutoring kids was never easy for me. I can't wrap my mind around them not knowing how to add, subtract, or multiply and it's kind of frustrating. Luckily I grew up with 3 younger siblings so I know how to stay patient. I helped pass out snacks, and after the kids ate it was more helping out with homework. Finally we got done finishing their homework and the leader of today's Park and Rec sat the kids down played a game of answering random questions for points. I only answered 2, haha.

4/10

Went to the Park & Rec today from 4-5. Mentor asked me to pass out snacks to the kids. Helped a couple kids with their homework. A little girl shoved a little boy saying that he was annoying her. She said she did it because Sam gets to beat up Freddie and Gibby (in iCarly) and that they do what she wants. It was kind of hilarious hearing her say that. But I'm kinda glad I witnessed it because now I know what I want my research paper to be about!