More than simply teaching in a classroom, I learned that a teacher has to dedicate his/her strengths to help the school population build a community, develop their talents, and have a free environment away from marks and expectations to just have a good time at school. One way to do this is through school involvement through creating clubs. As I started the internship towards the end of the school year, I was asked to help out with the soccer club for grade 7/8s. Yes, it was a shock to me. I asked a close friend of mine for assistance as he was a soccer coach, and he drew up soccer drills and fun games to play in between with the soccer ball. Although I tried my best, I knew soccer was not my strength at all.
I wanted to use my ability rather than simply supervising students while they played soccer, hence I started up an Art Club. It turned out to be better than I expected as there was a big turn out. I did come across lots of small challenges which I now have kept in mind for the future such as how to manage 20 students while needing to administer the glue gun and how to ensure the class was completely clean (remember Art can be VERY messy with kids) before the lunch hour was over. However, I learned that I didn't need to be in control all the time, or I wouldn't be able to guide the students in their arts or crafts. I rather gave lots of student volunteers the responsibility to clean up, give announcements on the PA system of the club time/location in the morning, and help out their friends.
They were an incredible bunch and their imagination and creativity showed. I got a chance to display their talent and creativity to the rest of the school and community. More than that, I saw a lot of new friendships being formed as students from different grades and classes came. As well, I saw a lot of great interaction between the older students and the younger students, as they got a chance to help out and become a role model!
No comments:
Post a Comment