SUMMER PLACEMENTS: Weeks 1 and 2...”Oh My…What Shall We Do?……..”　
       At La Casa de Don Pedro, it was determined from the onset, that Keshia and I would be the initiators of activities for the 4^th and 5^th graders. (Although, initially, it was Keshia’s idea and suggestion to Ms. Hazel to organize the library, she, being the trooper she is, delved concisely into the process of engaging and educating our youth.) As a team, we immediately engrossed the children in the exercise of self-reflection, by requesting that they write about, as well as draw, something, if anything, about themselves they would alter, if given the opportunity. To my revelation, many of the students said there was nothing about themselves that they would change…opinions I viewed as quite remarkable as it relates to adolescent children. (Personally, at that age, there were a plethora of “things” I would have liked to have changed about myself.) Being the honest and aboveboard person that I am, I revealed to the students that I would like to change my “fat stomach”. I was informed by “Hennessey” (yes, I said Hennessey), a beautiful Latina-American 12 year old, that her mom was soon to get a tummy tuck! I explained that I was extremely jealous that I couldn‘t afford one myself (smile) Anyway, the children completed their paragraphs and drawings and then, guess what?…..…drum roll…….I engaged them in the art of Haiku poetry!

You know what I do
Is to help kids write Haikus
They were quite good, too….By: Joanne Ashe

I would not change Me
I like me just how I am
I think I am cool…By: Antonio

I am so pretty
My hair is so straight and long
I love to sing songs…By: Irene

       These are just two of the examples of Haikus written by our children. Our final project will be to type and compose a booklet of all their poems, for each of them to retain as a keepsake.
       We also engaged the children in the Junior Achievement exercise of money and banking. However, prior to the actual book exercises, we began gathering prior knowledge information from the students concerning such topics as the acquisition, expenditure and saving of monies. After driving around the night before and obtaining deposit slips from a TD Bank walk-in ATM, each child was shown the process of depositing and withdrawing funds from an imaginary bank account. The exercise proved exciting and beneficial for all.
       I know that in the future, it is incumbent upon us to remain diligent in what we present as knowledge to our students as well as the manner in which it is presented. Next Week…Here I/We Come…..
　
       My experience at Bragaw Elementary (NPS), is proving to be both educational and enlightening. The first two days required our implementing imaginative methods of engagement for the students, as there was nothing available, such as Balls, Hoola-Hoops, Board Games, etc. to occupy our children. So, again, we were on! Of course, Octavio had brought rope and a small ball, with which he created a makeshift Volleyball net and engrossed the children for hours in the important element of play. Keisha and I engaged the students in fruitful conversation about their fall school placements, family life, siblings, as well as future hopes and dreams. What I’ve learned, from the inspirational talk given by Randall Pinkett, at the orientation for this program, is that if a child tells you they want to be a doctor, a lawyer and an Indian Chief, they should be encouraged to attempt to be all that they dream…I Will Not Be a Demolisher of Dreams! What I hope to do, is apprise them of the effort required to attain those goals along with a plan on “How To” accomplish them.
       In another vein, a group of little boys, one in particular named Samir., actually picked some “flowers” and presented them to me…Boy, was I thrilled!!!…Unfortunately, I was informed by our resident naturalist, Octavio, that the bouquet consisted of poison ivy, as well. The boys, as well as myself, had to wash our hands carefully, to avoid contamination. During a surprise visit, our very own Ms. Marcus, was taken on a Nature Walk around the blacktop by another little boy, named Farrell. When I informed her of the poison ivy, she quickly engaged him in a game of checkers, which he thoroughly enjoyed!
       On Friday, Octavio and I accompanied a group of 22 (10 girls and 12 boys)children to the Lady Liberty basketball game at Prudential Center. They were excited, seated high in the “nosebleed” section of the arena!!! We all had fun and the children were well behaved and cooperative!
At four o’clock, upon arriving at my car, I noticed my driver’s side window was completely down!!!…(I learned later, from my son, a professional auto-glass installer, that the regulator for my window was broken….he obtained the part for me and repaired it in a matter of minutes !!!) but believe it or not, the contents of my car were unscathed !!!

What a perfect end to a really good week!!!