Thursday, March 22, 2012

Umm... What was the question again?

Remember when I said this should be easy because the school work is 6th grade level and below? I forgot that fractions were part of 6th grade math. Addition of mixed numbers. So there I was, trying to explain to this kid that you must change both mixed numbers to improper fractions, get a common denominator, and then add, but he doesn't understand... I wasn't even sure if I understood. Well, he didn't understand MY process. So I did the whole problem my way and he did it his way. We came out with the same answer. His process was just getting a common denominator then switching the mixed number to an improper fraction. You wouldn't think that this kind of volunteer work would challenge your own education, but it does. I realized just how much I don't remember. I can remember learning things, but I couldn't tell you what exactly I learned. Like, the difference between sedimentary and igneous rocks? Nope, don't remember. So, a word of advice, don't come in here thinking you'll know absolutely everything. Don't think you're smarter than a 5th grader, because chances are, you're not.
 The answer is... Give me about 10 minutes to remember how to do the problem and another 20 to actually find the answer...

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The Staff

The staff that work in Lunch Buddies are truly awesome people. When I first began, I was nervous about how to treat the kids. It's one of those moments where you must be strict, but you don't want to come across as mean. The staff set a great example for me. In fact, the way they treat them is perfectly acceptable and, at times, almost comical. Some kids put up a fight when it comes to homework, but they treat the situation in a well mannered way. By watching them, I learned my own way of dealing with the kids.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Sally

There's this little girl, we'll say her name is Sally, she comes almost every time I'm there. Lunch Buddies is made for kids who don't finish their homework and also serves as a detention for kids who don't make the right decisions. But this girl, she comes in and makes little crafts for her family. As I talked to her, she told me about how whatever she was making was for a member of her family. She made a nice house, made out of construction paper, for her brother. She also made a card for her mom made out of hearts cut out of paper. Sally truly loves her family. So much that she sacrifices her lunch-time recess to make things for them. I know that most kids wouldn't ever do that. Recess is the greatest thing in the world. She is such a sweet girl and I'm glad I had the opportunity to talk to her and help her out with her projects.