A very Interesting Start

Where my elementary school is located is at a very steep hill. The location is not very uneasy and seems very comfortable for young children. I was not nervous going here because it is not far from where my aunt and uncle live so it was a familiar area. However, the school looked as if it needed a makeover. Coming from a very different type of elementary school, a catholic one, it was clear this school was going to be nothing like the green grassy play ground, the fun kickball court, and the large area to run and play. While walking up the many stairs I was just so nervous about what type of environment was I really going to be walking into. Were the children going to like me, and if I was going to be able to relate to them or if they would see, "wow fresh meat, let’s get her!" Of course that was just my nerves talking.

I walked through the doors and the inside was just as airy as the outside. The ceilings had pipes running through them and the paint was chipped everywhere. However, the two young girls walking by me seemed so happy and did not care about the appearance, so why should I? If the school was good enough for them it was definitely going to be good enough for me. I walked to the office where the secretary greeted me and was very friendly. She directed me towards Ms. Apples room, which was a small room right down the hall. Ms. Apple explained what I would be doing and what activities there would be. So when I came back the next time I was prepared for what I would do with each group. Unfortunately, between the two grades I had and the three groups of children and their schedules, it was not a good start. I was very discouraged that this was not going to be what I expected. When I talked to Ms. Apple she said that when I returned to the school there would be a permanent place for me.

Once again, I walked up those same stairs, entered the building, signed in, and met Ms. Apple. She assigned me to a first grade class where I was going to help the teacher and the time that I come would be their math time. I was then more positive about this experience and no longer nervous because i was just so anxious to meet the children and help out wherever I could. I walked in to Ms. S's first grade room and all these little eyes just looked at me with excitement and all kept whispering to each other, "who's she? What is she here for? She seems nice!" The teacher introduced me and the lesson begun. All at once children were raising their hands or screaming "Ms. Amanda! Ms. Amanda, I need help!" The teacher told me most of them could understand it they probably just wanted to see what I was like. So, I went where I was called too and helped each table.

I am looking forward to each time I go there now because all of the children seemed very interested in trying to understand the lesson they are given. This school was definitely not what I pictured but it is so much more. I'll admit I stereotyped how I thought the children were going to act, out of hand, very out of control, and way to much for me to handle. There were a few who definitely had a little behavioral problem but I understand now, know classroom is perfect but it is the teachers job to make it a safe place for the child to go and learn.

This was perhaps one of the best days I could ask for. The children are definitely impressive, intelligent, and clever. I look forward to going back and seeing how the articles we read in class will relate to my experiences.

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