Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Country Dance Videos (Chattahoochee Club)
Just a good ol' family-friendly fun time at the Chattahoochee Club, right next door to the Piggly Wiggly! Line-dancing lessons are at 7:00p, and the band goes on at 8:15p!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Jan 19th
Today was by far the best day I had at KIPP. First off I was able to teach and that happened almost all day. I progressed from co-teaching my self-planned Shakespeare lesson with Ms. Russell to leading the whole class on my own. This was after doing 3 classes back-to-back-to-back, and gave me a huge confidence boost in my ability to teach. But more importantly I learned more about the children - their strengths and what the struggle with as well as getting to know them as people better. I was particularly impressed with their ability to decipher the old English language Shakespeare wrote in since initially Ms. Russell wasn't sure if they could handle it. Based on this, the majority of the class was spent working through the "transition" into "modern" English. Another insight I gained was just how long the day is for the kids. The 1st 3 were from 8:10 - 11:30 and the 4th class I taught was at 2:45. The difference in energy between the first 3 and the last was amazing. Walking around the children had the right thoughts on their papers, but lacked the enthusiasm and level of participation the other classes had, and I feel like that's limiting them. I feel as if the last class didn't get as must out of the lesson as the first 3. There are many things about the KIPP system I think are great but this is the 1st time I saw a negative as blatant as a lack of energy in the last class.
The other highlight of the day was the conversation I had with Ms. Russell about teaching. She gave me a lot of advice in terms of planning and teaching strategies. The biggest one that stood out to me was spending the first few classes of a year establishing classroom norms - as the focus as opposed to content. In addition, even more important than planning lessons in the beginning is planning out what you will do in specific situations, from when a student needs a tissue to when a student talks back to you. That part is something I never considered but see how important it is to establish at the beginning so as a teach you can remain consistent.
Overall, I'm having a fabulous time at KIPP at the Lander's. The stimulating conversation about education and other related issues has helped develop my opinions even further as well as giving me insight into other perspectives. I have learned so much about myself and others and the Gaston community. This is an experience that will stay with me forever.
- Jessica
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Jan 18
Hi everybody. The entire Gaston experience has been remarkable, and I have learned a lot. Yet one encounter has really struck me the entire time. On our first day of volunteering, I took the opportunity to sit with the middle school children at lunch. One girl named Hailie invited me to her table. I was happy to spend lunch with her and her friend. They told me about the many daily experiences at KIPP and explained how they spent their time during and after class. The part that resonated with me was Hailie's account of why she came to KIPP and why she hoped to become a nurse someday.
Hailie joined the KIPP school in fifth grade and is now in seventh grade. When I asked her why she changed from public school to KIPP, she said in her honest and innocent voice that she left public school because she was picked on by her peers. One conversation was all I needed to recognize that she was genuine, yet being picked on was enough to make her want to switch schools so young. To me, it really stressed that the issue of bullying - regardless of style - is a running problem in the education. I felt upset inside because I understood from experience what she was dealing with, but I could also see her resilience as a dignified human being who simply wanted to do the right thing. This lifestyle, this way of being, is developed by the individual. I understand that it takes someone of strength to truly push aside hurtful things and approach every day with a smile. Hailie demonstrated this through her career interest.
When Hailie grows up, she wants to be a nurse and also wants to study cardiology. I found it admirable and impressive that she could even think of committing to such a specific career. After asking her why she chose cardiology, she provided and answer that was truly profound. Hailie's grandfather had passed away when she was in fourth grade. He died of a heart failure. I remember the pain that came with the loss of my grandfather. It took a long time after the funeral to finally adjust to losing the man I will always call my best friend. Yet I did not decide to become a doctor in an attempt to help people suffering from the same conditions. Hailie's desire to fix the wrongs at such a young age gave me hope.
We are not on the brink of disaster. We are not weak. We are not losing anything. No type of school or style of learning can make an entire personality. Genuine effort and care can come from anyone. This glorious truth and potential for all people starts with the self. Hailie is proof. I am absolutely honored to have had lunch with such a wise and young individual.
- Seabass
Hailie joined the KIPP school in fifth grade and is now in seventh grade. When I asked her why she changed from public school to KIPP, she said in her honest and innocent voice that she left public school because she was picked on by her peers. One conversation was all I needed to recognize that she was genuine, yet being picked on was enough to make her want to switch schools so young. To me, it really stressed that the issue of bullying - regardless of style - is a running problem in the education. I felt upset inside because I understood from experience what she was dealing with, but I could also see her resilience as a dignified human being who simply wanted to do the right thing. This lifestyle, this way of being, is developed by the individual. I understand that it takes someone of strength to truly push aside hurtful things and approach every day with a smile. Hailie demonstrated this through her career interest.
When Hailie grows up, she wants to be a nurse and also wants to study cardiology. I found it admirable and impressive that she could even think of committing to such a specific career. After asking her why she chose cardiology, she provided and answer that was truly profound. Hailie's grandfather had passed away when she was in fourth grade. He died of a heart failure. I remember the pain that came with the loss of my grandfather. It took a long time after the funeral to finally adjust to losing the man I will always call my best friend. Yet I did not decide to become a doctor in an attempt to help people suffering from the same conditions. Hailie's desire to fix the wrongs at such a young age gave me hope.
We are not on the brink of disaster. We are not weak. We are not losing anything. No type of school or style of learning can make an entire personality. Genuine effort and care can come from anyone. This glorious truth and potential for all people starts with the self. Hailie is proof. I am absolutely honored to have had lunch with such a wise and young individual.
- Seabass
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Jan 18 - Wednesday
Good morning! Though everyone is in their usual morning routine / rush to get ready for the school day, I have a few minutes to reflect on what an amazing trip this has been so far! We've been in Gaston for a week and I think it's flown by so fast because I'm working hard, having fun, and enjoying discussions with such wonderful people! The Landers have welcomed us graciously into their home, the teachers at KIPP are dedicated to their students 24/7, and the students on this trip inspire me to be better and make every day count.
Every day when we arrive at the school, we get a letter from Mr. May with shout outs and the task list (a teacher's work is never done!). So I thought I'd send a few shout-outs to people for everything they've done this week:
Every day when we arrive at the school, we get a letter from Mr. May with shout outs and the task list (a teacher's work is never done!). So I thought I'd send a few shout-outs to people for everything they've done this week:
- Jeremy, Pamela, and Melody: You've been such great leaders! Thanks for all your hard work planning this trip and motivating the group every day!
- Sebas: Your comments after the movie and in every reflection have always made me stop and think. Stay passionate about what you can give to the future of education!
- Jessica: Great job jumping in right away to work with Ms. Russell! I can't wait to sit in on your Shakespeare lesson tomorrow!
- Anne: Your positive energy throughout this entire trip has been so refreshing and helpful to all of us!
- Raven: Thanks for suffering through hours of Lexiling books with me! Excited to present for the World History class with you today.
And if I had the time, I would send a shout-out to everyone on the trip! Thank you all for being such hard-working people who are passionate about education and dedicating to giving back to others. Off to KIPP for another long but fulfilling day!
-Jess
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