Written Reflection 3

Some Pre-Thanksgiving Break Reflections:

          So much depends on what child Lynn assigns you. Whether that child has 5 minutes of homework or two hours of homework. I have been on both sides of the spectrum. Sometimes, after working with a child for an extended period of time, I find myself wondering "What would this student do if Homework Help was not offered?". At these times, the help we volunteers provide seems extremely valuable. I look around to the adults that are there to help everyday. That never fails to impress me. 

          Jeremy is one adult that is always there when we are volunteering. He is kind of a rock star when he steps in the room. He knows all the kids' names and is always joking around with students. He knows what kind of homework each child will have, and he knows how to help. Jeremy is also at The Learning Center, the alternative high school I volunteer at on Tuesdays. When I look at Jeremy, I can really see the commitment he has for helping kids, and I can't help but admire the heck out of him. I think anyone volunteering should strive for the level of all-around benevolence he possesses at this program.

         I encountered a new problem upon the last time I visited the library. I did not understand a certain procedure to multiply a string of long numbers. I only learned one super gimmick-y way to multiply: the lattice method (shout out to Noah). This newfangled, confusing method of multiplication was completely beyond me. Luckily, I the girl I was helping understood the process, just not necessarily the correct arithmetic. I would punch the problem into a calculator, and correct her arithmetic at the end if needed. If my student was more in the dark about the method, I would have had to frantically learn the convoluted method. I was thankful for this.

Lattice math. From elevenplusexams.com.uk

         The last time I was there, I also worked on "carrying the one" for about an hour. This is pretty consistently a major focus. I often ponder the level of abstract or critical thinking involved in learning the concept of numbers. It is impressive such ideas can be communicated at such a young age. I find that when a student finishes a paper more quickly than they started  it, I feel very rewarded. 

         I believe we have just finished the required amount of hours for the curriculum. I believe we will either go back Monday, or at least one time before the end of the semester. I am glad we no longer are kind of forced to do it. Perhaps it will feel even more rewarding if we continue to go after we have to. I enjoy it enough to want to go back a couple more times. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving. From history.com

Drake