Journal # 6

It’s been a month since I began co-op and I am really enjoying it. I have a great schedule and each week when I arrive at my placement I know exactly what to do. With the all-star reading program and working with the kids in Mrs. Smith’s class, I am getting the full effect of my placement. When I am in Mrs. Smith’s class I get to help and work with the kids on their math, spelling, art or anything the child is having difficulties with. When I am a coach for the all-star reading program I get to work with a child one on one, to help them read. These are some of the things I need to know and participate in, to better me when I hopefully become a teacher in the future. With the all-star reading program I have really felt part of the team. All the moms who come in to help, always welcome me, and answer any questions that I may have. With the majority of the time I spent at my placement with the all-star reading team, it feels good to be part of a great team.

The part of the job that I like the best is when I read with the kids. Each of the kids that I read with are so different, not only in their reading levels but also their personalities. Pero, is the cuties kid who is so kind, and has a great heart. He reads so well, and he loves to read all the time. Noah, is very intelligent, and even though he talks a lot he is a great reader. Lauren has become one of my little friends. She is very bright and she is very confident when she reads. These are the three main students that I couch. They are all so happy and proud of themselves when the read a word that they didn’t know, or when they finish a whole book. Each child’s excitement makes me proud and it is definitely the best part of the job.

Asking questions on the job is definitely a must. Each day it seems there are many more questions that need to be answered and everyday I try to ask them. Most day’s I need to ask Mrs. Slomka about what level book to give to the child. Or what activity should I play with the child today. Each question I ask she is very helpful in answering. She encourages me to ask questions, because she wants the child to improve in their reading not fall behind. Even when I am in Mrs. Smith’s class, she also encourages me to ask questions, and if I am confused with something, or if a student asks me something that I don’t know, so encourages me to ask her for help.