The use of space is a big thing that impacts the way that I help the kids. The homework room has a big window that sees out into the space where all the other kids play, which can cause many distractions when trying to help someone with their homework. They see what the other kids are doing and it causes them to loose focus and to not want to work or just to rush through the work to get it done so they are able to play with their friends and not be stuck in the homework room. Their minds tend to wander and it's hard to get them back to focusing on their homework to get done.
Another thing I noticed is that the materials available are hand-me-downs and not in the best condition. Looking at the encyclopedias, they weren't even the most current and there isn't a complete set. I never even saw any of the kids use any of the books on the shelves. It's like they know they aren't the best books.
Towards the end of my visits, the kids got a game room, but during my last 2 visits, they weren't allowed to be in there due to the fact that somehow the equipment had gotten messed up. It upset the adults in charge because the equipment was new and the kids were disrespecting it. I was surprised the kids didn't show the equipment more care since it was new and wasn't used. When they weren't allowed in there, they would just stare in there looking and wishing they could play with the games. It was kind of heartbreaking to watch because some of them probably don't have access to play with such nice things and the fact that just a few kids ruined it for everyone didn't seem fair to them.
I feel like the space outside was the most valuable of all to the kids. With the playground and the track they are able to run around and not be so constricted to being inside. On the days where it was too cold to be outside, you could tell the kids were going crazy while being inside. Being able to have the freedom to run around and not be yelled at for running inside or anything is important to the kids.
No comments:
Post a Comment