This week at La Casa, I went on my first field trip with them. On Tuesday, Deb and I went to Hurricane Harbor with 24 1st and 2nd graders. After hearing stories about previous Hurricane Harbor trips, I did not know what to expect except for chaos, but it was not like that at all. Aside from one incident in which we got separated from one group and Ms. Norma did not have her cell phone and we had to send one of the teen helpers to go find them, it seemed pretty organized and well run. The biggest downfall of the day was that the section of the park that is specifically for smaller children was closed all day due to sanitary issues, so they basically had to stay in the wave pool and lazy river the entire time. However, some of the kids were taller so we took a group of them on the water slides. On one particular slide, Deb went down first to stand at the bottom to wait for them and I stayed up at the top to go down last. The kids were excited until it was time for them to go down. All but two decided that they did not want to go, but I explained to them that they could not walk down the steps so they closed their eyes and down they went! When I made it to the bottom, they all wanted to go again, but we had to meet back up with the group. During this trip, I learned about the importance about staying hydrated as I became lightheaded, dizzy and nauseous as a result of not drinking anything. I almost left early and went home, but I stuck it out and had a great time with the kids!
On our last day at La Casa, we set up for the PJ party and somehow Nicole, Camille and I got thrown into a group of screaming, pillow-fighting girls and had to figure out something for them to do. When saying goodbye to all the teachers and staff, almost all of them opened the doors of La Casa and said that we were always welcome and thanked us for all of our help. Although we got off to somewhat of a rocky start there, it was a good feeling to know that us being there was actually appreciated. I am glad that I finally got to get to know the kids and I am sad that I will not be there to see their talent show.
Abington
The highlight at Abington this week was BIC Backpack Day. Nicole, Deb and I made a banner in order to welcome them and Joe helped the kids make backpacks to go on the sign. It came out a lot better than we ever expected it would and the kids loved finding the backpacks that they had made on the banner when they came in. On Thursday, the BIC bus came to Abington and supplied all the Abingtons backpacks filled with white-out, markers, highlighters, pens and pencils. The kids were so excited and could not wait to see what was in their bags. The SYDP sites from Ridge and First Ave. came as well. I can't find my camera cord so I can't upload the pictures I took that day [ =( ]. When I do find it, I will upload them. Hopefully Deb or Joe will upload theirs on their posts so that you will be able to see what took place.
On the final day at NPS, we went to our favorite corner store and bought all of the kids icys. They loved it and were so excited. They were sad that we are not coming back (although some tried to act like they were not), but I'm glad that I will be able to see most of them them at Abington during the school year.
What I have learned these past three weeks in Newark is that being a teacher is not the weak-hearted or weak-minded. As cliche as it sounds, that is the absolute truth. It takes someone who truly cares and who can withstand all of the frustrations and difficulties that may arise in order to connect the kids. It really is "survival of the fittest."
Chamara,
ReplyDeleteI love your last statement about how teaching is not for the weak of heart or mind. Over the years, I have heard my brother- and recently my brother- talk about how challenging teaching is. It's not work that you can sit at a computer and mindlessly do; it takes your entire being.
I can see what you were talking about during seminar when you said the students were really comfortable with you. It looks like they had a great time with you.