Today was the first day we got to be hands on in the classroom with the children as well as having lunch with a family in La Cienega. I was nervous for the day to begin because we do not know the children and we speak English. I think my biggest fear was to be working with a child and they not understand and then one of use becomes frustrated. I thought that if I was put in the situation, I would not know what to do. To my surprise, the nerves disappeared fast and I was able to work with many children. First I did a lesson with action verbs. This was a lesson the children needed an adult to help them with. I did not want to interrupt them so I made sure to ask them if I could watch them first. So then if they wanted me to join or guide, they could invite me when they felt comfortable. After this lesson, I read some books to a few children. At first I was reading the sentences in full and then I realized that because they do not speak English or only know a little I should modify the book so I am not using as many words so their attention would stay with me. This seemed to work a lot better and I was glad I realized this early on. The last thing I did was play baseball with a child outside. He loves being active and has a lot of energy. I really enjoyed that fact that I could go outside and help him practice throwing and hitting the ball. This is not just baseball, but motor skills and hand-eye coordination. I was really happy with all of the things I was able to do in such a short period of time.
Then we went to lunch in a families home. The mother cooked us an amazing lunch. I was once again nervous because they did not speak any English. This allowed us to practice our Spanish with her. I was expecting to actually eat with the family but instead, the mother just cooked for us and let us eat while she did other things around the house and with her children. In the future, I would like to talk to her and her children and get to know them better. We learned a little about her but if we are spending a good amount of time together it would be nice to get to know a little more. The mother made rice, beans, chicken, as well as two potato like vegetables. It was delicious. I am so grateful that she is taking time to cook us such an amazing meal and allowing us to come into her home. I am looking forward to this time every day during the week. It is somewhat scary going into La Cienega to get there though. I am not used to the poverty. It is just such a sad sight and I do not think anyone could really get used to it. But one thing is for sure, the family may have be in poverty but they were so happy and excited to have us and so happy in general. Seeing them like this keeps reminding me that I am and should be thankful for everyday and everything I have in my life.
Then we went to lunch in a families home. The mother cooked us an amazing lunch. I was once again nervous because they did not speak any English. This allowed us to practice our Spanish with her. I was expecting to actually eat with the family but instead, the mother just cooked for us and let us eat while she did other things around the house and with her children. In the future, I would like to talk to her and her children and get to know them better. We learned a little about her but if we are spending a good amount of time together it would be nice to get to know a little more. The mother made rice, beans, chicken, as well as two potato like vegetables. It was delicious. I am so grateful that she is taking time to cook us such an amazing meal and allowing us to come into her home. I am looking forward to this time every day during the week. It is somewhat scary going into La Cienega to get there though. I am not used to the poverty. It is just such a sad sight and I do not think anyone could really get used to it. But one thing is for sure, the family may have be in poverty but they were so happy and excited to have us and so happy in general. Seeing them like this keeps reminding me that I am and should be thankful for everyday and everything I have in my life.