Assisting in different learning environments is the most rewarding aspect of my educational courses.  Each course has provided the opportunity for me to enter these learning environments and work hands on with students.  When I am placed in these situations, I learn and grow more quickly and proficiently into the educator that I desire to be.  Papers and assignments provide knowledge that can be rewarded to anyone, but these unique experiences imbed lasting memories and a hands on education that irreplaceable.

Graphic: http://www.cresskillboro.com/Education/school%20house.gif

Working in a day care is hard work!  Through my participation in Into the Streets at Williams Community School Child Care, I realized how exhausting it is to take care of children all day long.  While I was at Williams Community School, I had the opportunity to interact with and read to three-year-olds.  The teacher had numerous activities that taught and amused the children.  Though I had a great time with these children, I learned that I would rather work in grade school instead of a day care. 

Graphic:  http://www.mcrsd.org/pics/williams_pic.JPG

I had a rewarding experience with the Gilbert Junior High School Tigers.  Here I assisted in a seventh grade Social Studies classroom, where I was privileged to observe, as well able to help students out with homework and test taking.  Prior to serving at Gilbert Junior, I had made up my mind that teaching Junior High was not for me.  After working with the students and staff there I have changed my mind.  I learned that Junior High teachers need to work equally as hard as elementary ones.  The teachers at Gilbert Junior worked really well together.  There was a unity between them that is rare.  When I begin teaching, I hope to have that same unity with my coworkers.  All in all, I really enjoyed the time that I spent at Gilbert Junior High School.

Graphic: http://www.gilbert.k12.az.us/images/schools/gjhstiger.jpg

Who does not like to play jump rope, four square, and tag?  During my experience at San Marcos Elementary School for Into the Streets I did just that.  At San Marcos Elementary School, I was first able to help the kindergarten class paint.  I then set up the cafeteria tables, talked to a staff member, and played with the students at recess.  Being with the children for recess was especially unique.  This was a rewarding experience because San Marcos is a Title I school.  By talking to a member of their staff, I learned about the differences between Title I and higher socioeconomic schools.  I was very impressed with the dedication of the parents and teachers of San Marcos.  I learned that working in a title I school would be a bigger challenge than I thought.  It takes much more time and commitment, but the results are well worth the extra effort.  I am grateful that I was able to spend my time with Into the Streets in a different environment.

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The time that I spent at Williams Community School for their Fall Festival was a blast!  Dressed as I pirate, I was able to help at the festival by making balloon animals.  The children who attended Williams Community School absolutely loved the balloons, and I received satisfaction from seeing their joy.  It was a great experience to interact with the children outside of a classroom setting.  Through this experience, I learned how the parents of different children act.  Some parents are careless, while others are pushy or over protective.  I know that when I am a teacher, I will need to learn how to deal with each parent.  I learned that some children act in certain ways or gain certain habits because of their parent’s example.  Knowing this will help me gain patience with my students and condole the way that I handle different behaviors in my classroom.  These aspects of education that are not taught in a textbook are equally as important to learn and understand.

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 I learned numerous things about lower socioeconomic lifestyles through my experience at the Boys and Girls Club Craft Party.  At the party, I assisted many students in decorating cookies.  The children loved the snack.  While I was at the Boys and Girls Club, I learned that this club provides a safe haven for students and parents of these poorer families.  I learned that programs like the Boys and Girls Club can work miracles in student’s lives.  I now know after visiting the Club that I will promote it to all of my students as a means to keep them safe and out of trouble.  It was very entertaining and beneficial for me to spend the day at the Boys and Girls Club Craft Party.

Graphic: Personal Collection