1.) So far with my action project, I have visited Hillcrest Middle School twice to volunteer in a class. I have helped out in multiple subjects like PE, Math, French, and more. Also, I have helped out a couple of different teachers as well. Furthermore, I have planned to go there once more next week. Actually, I was going to go this week to help out, but I had to change my plans for a variety of reasons, which I’ll go into more detail about in my following responses.
2.) One success I have had was coming up with a list of notes that I would like to share about my high school experience with the grade 7-8 students. The reason I made a list was because a teacher asked me to discuss what high school was really like with her students, so I wanted to make sure I covered all the critical challenges, perspectives, and experiences I had when I was in their position. Another success was coming up with a fun warm-up game for a PE class which I will introduce to the teacher. I know the students will appreciate the activity because last time I helped set up a basketball game and they enjoyed it, so I wanted to do something else related to that sport. Lastly, being adaptable was successful. For instance, instead of panicking when I couldn’t go this week to help out, I maintained my composure and came up with a new plan that I got ready for. That plan involved making the list that I mentioned before.
3.) One challenge I faced, as I previously mentioned, was that I couldn’t go this week to help and support. I wasn’t able to attend due to technical difficulties because the teacher hadn’t replied to my email confirming if I could come. I sent two emails to overcome this. The teacher then replied to my email, saying that she hadn’t received the previous one, and then we set up another time for me to come. Another challenge was time management because when I do go volunteer it’s on school time, so I need to communicate that with my teachers. I overcame this by letting my teacher know beforehand if I’m going to be absent and catching up on work when I come back. Lastly, a challenge was making a list about my high school experience because I wanted to make sure I was able to make it interesting, so the students would be engaged. I overcame this by adding a few jokes into my speech and touching on some passions the students have that the school offers programs for.
4.) Next I’ll be returning to that school to assist there once more after not being able to go this week. I will share my list and introduce my warm-up game. Also, since it might be my last time going I plan on bringing a little surprise treat for the students which will be candy.