Culminating Blog Refelection

     When going into this project I was a little scared because when it comes to talking to new people I am very shy… even if it was kids in elementary school. My communication skills aren’t good but aren’t bad and I believed that the kids I took care of definitely taught me how to communicate more on a more respectful manner. Working with the kids made me aware that I had to watch my mouth. I knew that I couldn’t go into my work and curse and use the type of language I would use around my friends or people my age. I had to be very creative and make my mind the mind of the kids I took care of, I basically had to think like a little kid. When it came to helping the kids with their homework I had to be very aware that I couldn’t just give them the answer, I had to explain the problems to them and they had to give me the answer. That also taught me that they understood the homework assignments.
     I gained a lot from my capstone project. Going into it I taught it was going to be a piece of cake, and that all I would do would be watch over kids and play with them. But was I surprised. I had to help them with everything and of course play with them. It was a challenge like I said, helping them with their homework. I had to be aware of helping and not giving out answers. I also believe that the kids helped me out a lot they showed me creativity because almost all the kids I worked with were so creative. They could entertain themselves with practically anything. Now kids my age rather lay in beds then be productive. They also taught me how to talk out my problems. In elementary school you can’t fight, that’s unacceptable and I believe they taught me to talk things out instead of fighting.
     The kids I took care of were amazing although at times they acted like rebels and went against what my directions would be. There were a few challenges I encountered the mains ones were I had to act like I was a teacher, and I was definitely not used to that. It was crazy hearing the kids call me Ms. Stephanie. I also had to get used to the fact that I wasn’t their friend I was there teacher. That was probably one of the hardest things I encountered. I had to be there teacher but I also wanted to be there friend so that they could trust me and come to me when they would have problems. Another challenge I encountered was some of the kids would pick on one another and I had to make sure they understood why that was not good.  They would also argue with each other and I had to show them that they are each other’s friend. I overcame these challenges by sticking my ground. Even though I wanted to act like a friend to them I knew I was there teacher and I knew if I acted like a friend to them they would show me no respect. I also overcame the challenge by talking things out with them and letting them know that they shouldn’t fight and if they were ever in the position of arguing to talk it out instead of getting physical.

week 13 and 14

2 Hours... May 7 2013
2 Hours... May 9 2013
Week 13... 4 Hours
Total Hours 52 Hours
In the Thirtheenth Week I helped the kids with there homework and we also talked out a problem that the kids were having with one another. I predict that next week I will continue helping the kids with their homework and any other issues they might be having.
2 Hours... May 14 2013
Week 14... 4 Hours
Total Hours 54 Hours
In the Fourteenth week I helped them with there homework. We also went outside and played kick ball while some of the kids played with chalk and others played soccer.

week 10,11, and 12

2 Hours... March 21 2013
2 Hours... March 26 2013
Week 10... 4 Hours
Total Hours 40 Hours
In the Tenth Week I helped the kids with there homework. I also played with them multiple games. I predict that in the next week I will continue to help them with there homework.
2 Hours... April 9 2013
2 Hours... April 11 2013
Week 11... 4 Hours
Total Hours 44 Hours
In the Eleventh week I helped them with there homework. We also went outside and played kick ball and also soccer. Then we went back inside and the kids played uno and played hang man. I predict that in the next week I will keep helping them with there homework and also keep playing games with them.
2 Hours... April 30 2013
2 Hours... May 2 2013
Week 12... 4 Hours
Total Hours 48 Hours
In the Ninth week I helped the kids with there homework. I predict that in the next week I will continue helpin the kids with there homework.

Hours: Week 7, 8, and 9

2 Hours... February 28 2013
2 Hours... March 5 2013
Seventh week... 4 Hours
Total Hours 28 Hours
In the Seventh Week I helped the kids with there homework we also saw one of the teachers showing the younger kids about tadpools. I predict that in the next week I will continue to help them with there homework.
2 Hours... March 7 2013
2 Hours... March 12 2013
Eight week... 4 Hours
Total Hours 32 Hours
In the Eight week I helped them with there homework. We also went outside and played kick ball. Then we went back inside and the kids played uno and played hang man. I predict that in the next week I will help them with there homework and also play games with them.
2 Hours... March 14 2013
2 Hours... March 19 2013
Ninth week... 4 Hours
Total Hours 36 Hours
In the Ninth week I helped the kids with there homework. I also helped them with a project and we then went outside and played basketball and four square. When I moved to the younger students day care we stayed inside and watched a movie and played uno while some of the younger kids drew. I predict that in the next week I will continue helpin the kids with there homework.

Hours: Week 5 and 6

2 Hours... February 12 2013
2 Hours... February 14 2013
Fifth week... 4 Hours
Total Hours: 20 Hours
In week five I helped the kids with there homework, I also helped out one of the more shyer girls. I also played with the kids outside and then we played uno. In the next week I predict to be doing the same and keep helping the kids out with there homework and playing with them.
2 Hours... February 19 2013
2 Hours... February 21 2013
Sixth week... 4 Hours
Total Hours: 24 Hours
In week Six I helped my kids with there homework and we worked on a school project together. I also helped them with problems between each other and showed them how they can share and its not nice to fight. In the next week I predict I am going to keep helping them with there homework.

Hours: Week 3 and 4

2 Hours... January 29th 2013
2 Hours... January 31st 2013
Third week... 4 Hours
Total Hours: 10
In the third week I helped the students with their homework and when it was time to change rooms the younger kids and the older kids both went to the play ground where I played with them.
2 Hours... February 5th 2013
2 Hours... February 7th 2013
2 Hours... February 8th 2013
Fourth week... 6 Hours
Total Hours: 16 Hours
In the fourth week I helped the kids with there homework every day and after homework i took them out to play and we played kick ball and the younger kids played house.

Hours: Week 1 and 2

2 Hours... January 15th 2013
2 Hours... January 17th 2012
First week... 4 hours
Total Hours: 4
In the first week the day care teachers took me through what I would be doing in every class. The teachers also introduced me to the students. In the first week of completeing 4 hours I helped out the little kids with their homework and I also played with them.
2 Hours... January 22nd 2013
Second week... 2 Hours
Total Hours: 6
In the second week I helped out the students with their homework and I was also introduced to the younger children. After homework was done I changed rooms and went with the younger children where I played with them in the play ground.

Racism

One day I was at school and some people started asking me questions about my nationality. They asked me and a few of my friends if my mom beat me with a sandal. I asked them why they were asking me these types of questions. The kids told me that they asked me because I was Hispanic. And that of course every Latin person has been hit with a sandal or with a broom.

            When I was asked that I felt kind of disgusted that someone was asking me that. I thought in my head why people are asking me these types of questions. I also told myself that not all Latin families beat there kids with those type of things some families don’t even believe in physical punishment.

            I told the people that asked me that question that it was very inappropriate because for one just because I’m Hispanic does not mean I get beat and second of all the way they asked “oh well all Hispanic households beat there kids with brooms, sandals or hangers” was very rude and racist. My friend then asked them if they could drive, they were Asian and she didn’t say it in a way to be racist she just wanted to prove that just because one person does it doesn’t mean everyone of that race does.

            The people that asked me that felt very ashamed because even though they didn’t mean it the way it was understood it was still a very inappropriate thing to say. Not all things that are said about someone are meant for everyone. Not all Asians are bad drivers, not all Hispanic households get beat.