La Casa de Don Pedro
La Casa is similar to other commmunity based organizations that I have worked with over the years. Housed in old buildings, disorganized, and chaotic. The hallways are bustling and there is something different happening in just about every room you pass. The staff is often disjointed but happy to be there. I always find a genuine warmth in these places...an overall mission to serve.
The classrooms are somewhat overcrowded, being that there are typically two teachers per, a few teen workers, and us. This leads me to believe that the UTR sevrices could perhap be utilized better by employing a "get in where ya fit in" kind of approach. I see a lot of things I would like to do to help there...decorate the 2nd/3rd grade classroom, provide an arsenal of art supplies for the students, teach Omar how to read, create a video yearbook for the kids, organize Ms. Dluca's paperwork...the task list is endless. I know that this cannot all be accomplished in two weeks, but I will work hard to provide my services to the organization in a way that benefits them.
I taught my first lesson on Friday, which steamrolled from 30 minutes to 90. The financial piece that was assigned to me was ironically focused on city planning, so I was happy to continue. I changed a few things in the curriculum as I saw fit, and I felt like the students enjoyed most of it. It was difficult to keep them settled, and I often had to stop the lesson to quiet them down. I added a piece to lesson where I gave the students a hand drawn map of Broadway and La Casa, and asked them to draw what they would like to see in their neighborhood instead of what was there today. Some of the responses were very creative...a rec center, an ice cream shop, a community garden. I then had them write a letter to the Mayors office stating why they wanted these elements in their community. I told them that I would hand deliver the letters this week. I plan to pass them along to a colleague at the Dept of Housing and Economic Development, and request that they send a letter in return recognizing the students efforts.
I am looking forward to launching the yearbook efforts this week, and assissting Ms. Dluca in her efforts to operate the Summer Camp Program smoothly.
Abington Avenue School
I never thought that I would enjoy being a camp counselor as much as I am at Abington. Stepping out of the academic realm has turned out to be a breath of fresh air for me. Sitting in the sun, staying active, revisiting my days as a sports fanatic, and sparking a love for old time favorite games in children that I remember from my younger years is refreshing, and reminds me of the importance of being outdoors and staying active as a kid.
The first few days, there were no supplies for the students...no balls, no activities, no jump ropes. It was somewhat entertaining to try and see what we could come up with as a group to keep us all occupied. Games like red light green light started to emerge, and hand clapping games like "Slide" could be heard scattered around the black top. It was a nice reminder that even without much, we can still show students a good time if we put forth an honest effort.
I chaperoned a field trip to a Newark Bears game last week. There were 24 students assigned to a teacher and myself, and I must admit, I was nervous as hell. Being responsible for that many children was daunting. Even worse, upon arriving at the stadium, I realized that we were one of dozens of other summer camps that were in attendance. The stadium was crawling with kids! No sooner than it took for my fear to rise, the need to keep order sunk in. The day proceeded with buddy assignments and constant head counts, multiple trips to the bathroom and water fountain, snack bar and gift shop runs, and mascot photo ops and autographing sessions. It was intense and hectic, but I had a great time. Two students told me that it was the best day of their life, which made me forget my aching muscles and go home happy knowing that I was a part of something that would turn out being so memorable for a young child.
Deb,
ReplyDeleteHaving been there for your lesson on Friday, I can tell you it was great. I think it was kismet that your curriculum fits into your city planning background. The students at the table where I was sitting were having great conversations about what they would like to see in their neighborhood.
I believe you planted the seed for them to begin to think about why the area looks the way it does,how they would like to change it, and that they have a voice and a place to go to with their concerns.
I hope the Jackals game is less hectic than the Newark Bears was.
I like and agree with your "get in where ya fit in" idea. From what I've seen so far, our services at La Casa seem most needed outside of the classrooms, and the work we could be doing, while not directly with the students, would benefit them more in the long-run.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that your lessons turned out to be around a subject that you are interested and well-versed in. Your expertise will allow the students to gain a better grasp on the material, and hopefully inspire them to take action.
It has been a pleasure to work with you at Abington. Where you are schooling the boys in some basketball, using your mad baseball/softball skills, playing board games, or engaging the students in conversation, your passion and warmth shies through. I can definitely see you being the "fun mom" that your daughters' friends will want to spend time with. : )
Ha! I had the same thought when we first walked into La Casa. It brought back memories of so many non-profits I've worked at in buildings so old that the floors and doorways are slanted. Every day we're there it seems one of us runs into another student from one of our school placements, and I'm reminded of how integral a part of the community the organization is. "Get in where you fit in," I like that. Their need is great, and I think that we have lots to bring to the table. It does seem kismit that your finance curriculum meshes so well with your city planning roots. I'm sure yours was a Jr. Achievement lesson that the kids couldn't say they had seen before!
ReplyDeleteNo surprise that I've also been enjoying the opportunity to rediscover my inner-jock at NPS. I've still got it on the soccer pitch (though mostly because it's too small to require any real running.) I'm a wash-out at baseball, though. I don't know how you do it. Just was never my sport.
I had a similar field trip moment at the Lady Liberty game, where I looked around and realized I was the only adult with all of the kids from Ridge, but the opportunity to be in some new environs that could inspire awe is priceless.