Some themes that arose from learning in alternative spaces were trying to include academics within a summer program context. The HOST program is not only a child care service, but it also tries and makes sure that students are still learning as well. Also, it's more of a laid-back atmosphere compared to the school setting. The employees aren't as strict on the students as teachers are on their students. The students are able to run around and talk a lot more in the HOST program.
Participating in learning in alternative spaces, I've learned there should be a balance. A
balance between having fun and academics. I think it is a necessity for kids to
have fun during the summer time, but they also need a splash of academics so
that when they go back to school in the fall, they haven't completely forgotten
everything. During the summer time, I believe the students need a break from all
the testing and pushing academics down their throat. Don't get me wrong,
education is very important, but as long as we force it upon them, they won't
learn to love it on their own. I've observed students being engaged in fun
activities, and students being forced to read. Their faces and body language
were so different in those two times. Of course, they were having a great time
doing the fun activity, so why keep making their time miserable? Therefore, what I plan to take back with me to my internship in the fall, is allowing the students a chance to be creative! When they are in charge of their own product, I see a lot of different products, and not just the same identical craft everyone else is doing. makes learning a lot more fun!
Throughout this inquiry I have been influenced to integrate art, music, dance, etc into my instructions and assessments. I did a read aloud lesson and had the students create their own craft instead of doing a worksheet or report. I seen first hand the difference in reaction of the students when they are told to create something of their own versus what they usually do. Their reaction felt so good to see and hear. No one wants to hear, "Awwww!" coming from the students. You want to hear, "Yay!" This experience has also showed me the importance of home visits. Through home visits you can learn so much about the students' culture, and ultimately take that into consideration when teaching and assessing.
Participating in learning in alternative spaces, I've learned there should be a balance. A
balance between having fun and academics. I think it is a necessity for kids to
have fun during the summer time, but they also need a splash of academics so
that when they go back to school in the fall, they haven't completely forgotten
everything. During the summer time, I believe the students need a break from all
the testing and pushing academics down their throat. Don't get me wrong,
education is very important, but as long as we force it upon them, they won't
learn to love it on their own. I've observed students being engaged in fun
activities, and students being forced to read. Their faces and body language
were so different in those two times. Of course, they were having a great time
doing the fun activity, so why keep making their time miserable? Therefore, what I plan to take back with me to my internship in the fall, is allowing the students a chance to be creative! When they are in charge of their own product, I see a lot of different products, and not just the same identical craft everyone else is doing. makes learning a lot more fun!
Throughout this inquiry I have been influenced to integrate art, music, dance, etc into my instructions and assessments. I did a read aloud lesson and had the students create their own craft instead of doing a worksheet or report. I seen first hand the difference in reaction of the students when they are told to create something of their own versus what they usually do. Their reaction felt so good to see and hear. No one wants to hear, "Awwww!" coming from the students. You want to hear, "Yay!" This experience has also showed me the importance of home visits. Through home visits you can learn so much about the students' culture, and ultimately take that into consideration when teaching and assessing.