Week 1 Service at Thomas Edison Elementary

     Going into my service place for the first time was exciting, but at the same time I was a little nervous. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the kids I was going to work with. But when I got there the principal explained to me everything I need to know, showed me to my classroom and I was ready. I was kind of surprised the way the kids acted. I went to a Catholic school before Jesuit and all the students respected and listened to the teacher. At Thomas Edison Elementary it was a little different. Kids roamed around the class and students would only listen to their teacher if they were threatened with a call to their parents. I didn't know what to do, but I was ready for the challenge of these kids.

      The first few days I worked on reading with a 9 year old boy named Abdulases. He was a nice young boy, rare for Thomas Edison Elementary, and enjoyed helping him read. I don't think he is from America so he had a little trouble at first but I helped him out. I also worked with some first graders on reading too. I didn't spend a particularly long time with anyone of them so I didn't get to know any of them really well. I would have to say my favorite student is a fourth grade girl named Ani. She is a nice, polite young girl who is eager to learn. The first couple of days she just watched ,e and Abdulases study and would try to join in but get told to go back to reading by the teacher. Fortunately on my last day of service this week I got the pleasure of working on math flash cards with her. She was also pleased to work with me and I hope I get to help her in the future.