Service Learning Reflection

So far I have loved service learning. I'm not a judgmental, closed minded type person, so going into this I was ready for whatever. My family and I try to take part in community service often, so this is not the first thing I’ve ever done. Whenever I left a site we just got done assisting, I felt so incredible. I just absolutely love helping, you just feel amazing. Even though I have had experience with community service, I’m always a little reserved with kids. It's not that I don't like them, it's more that I’m just not around them enough to know what to expect with them. I'm the youngest in my immediate family, and I’m also the youngest cousin of my close extended family, so I don't spend much time around people younger than me. I was a little apprehensive, nervous, and didn't know what to expect. Luckily, my first week I did not have to go alone. I went with someone who had already been there before and he reassured me that I would be fine, and that it's fun. After talking with him I felt much better. When I entered the 2nd grade classroom for the first time, it was so crazy, because it was like the spitting image of my 1st grade classroom. It automatically made me feel better. The room I’m placed in is also the Marquette room, so that also put me at ease. The teacher is a very no nonsense person, as well as the school. Although she runs the classroom, she does it perfectly. It's not that she is an evil woman, it's just that she demands respect from the children, and if she doesn't get respect they will get the set consequences. I love watching her teach. She knows exactly what to do and say, and when to say it. Like the movie Waiting for Superman mentions, it really is like watching a professional athlete, or a rock star. If someone is really good and what they do, it's amazing to observe. While I’m in the classroom, I’m assisting the children with their readings. I walk around and pick the kids who are showing me they are ready to read to me. They show that they're ready by quietly reading to themselves. If they do not show they are ready, I am not to read with them. It's as simple as that. I'm most definitely pleased with my placement, and I get excited to attend every week. Although I’ve never wanted to be a teacher, this placement, and this education course as well is making me rethink that option.