Blog Post #2-Action Project

1.) Provide a summary of the action you are planning and how are you going to start.

The action I plan on doing is returning to my previous middle school to assist students in a class. I’ve decided to visit Hillcrest Middle School a few times this semester on days when I’ll be able to catch up in my own classes. I started this project by emailing my previous teacher and discussing my idea with her. She confirmed that she appreciated my idea and was thrilled to work with me. All that remains is for me to fill out the volunteer form on the school’s website and have it signed by the principal. Then, together with the teacher, we can develop a schedule that works for both of us. 

2.) One lesson in the talk is that “Everything is complicated”. Can you explain some of the complexity that you will face in your action? 

A complexity I will face in this project is connecting with the students because sometimes kids aren’t usually open to new people and are afraid to ask questions and talk to them. I will prevent this by always smiling and approaching the students to introduce myself, so they know I am happy to help. Another challenge will be developing a plan so that I don’t fall behind on my own work at school while still being able to do my action several times. I will overcome this by communicating with my teachers and completing missed work on my own time because sometimes sacrifices must be made. 

3.) Is this action sustainable? Provide some specific examples to support your reasoning. 

This action is sustainable because I can form friendly bonds with the kids and demonstrate to the teacher that I am reliable. For example, if those students come to my high school next year and see me in the hallways, they will know that if they need help, I will always lend a hand. I can also enlighten them about how different high school is from middle school and give them tips on how to manage the workload because I have been in their shoes not so long ago. Also, in the future when the teacher needs a helper for activities, she can trust to reach out to me. 

 
4.) Is this action providing opportunity? How will you ensure you are making the positive impact that you intend? 

This action is providing an opportunity for the students to learn concepts in class better because I can go around and help them with different questions in subjects like math they are struggling to understand. I can also inform them about what high school is like for me and my acquaintances so they can prepare and know what to anticipate. I will ensure that I am having a positive impact on each student by having a meaningful conversation with each one because sometimes you have to reach out first. Also, once the teacher has finished giving the lesson, I will go around the classroom asking if anyone has any questions because learning something new sometimes takes a few explanations.  

Try to find an expert to be part of your action. Who knows a lot about the area you are studying? Who could help you on your journey to make a difference?

Mrs. Carston, the teacher of the grade eight classroom, is my expert. She has been a teacher for many years and is highly outgoing and approachable. Her cheerful personality will help me on my journey by teaching me how to approach each individual in order to have a positive impression on them. Furthermore, because she has been working with these students for a couple of months, she can show me different tactics that each student learns better with. For example, some people benefit from seeing the content written on the board, but others prefer to have it explained to them.