Kristy Westfall

Service Learning Experience
September 21, 2007 3hrs.
Total: 12 hrs.

I decided to go to Mrs. F's class in the afternoon. I had been going in the morning but I wanted to see what happens in the afternoon. I was able to see their after lunch activities. Today, the class finished the Junie B Chapter Book in shared reading. Some of the children were on the carpet, some were finishing a picture at their desks, and some wanted to sit at their desk and listen. I thought it was nice to see all of the children being quiet and respectful of Mrs. F. "A", an autistic child, was sitting in a desk away from the class. This was her choice. At times, she likes to take a "break" from the group and be alone. As I was watching her, I could see that she still had her book open and was following along with the group.
During the science lesson, Mrs. F was asking questions about the lesson. All of the students were eager to answer her and be involved in the discussion. One student tried to answer a question but it wasn't the right answer. Mrs. F did not say, "Wrong" and leave it at that. She was positive and said, "Well, that's not quite right but, you are on the right track." I believe the way you respond to a child helps to shape how that child will respond in class. If you are negative when the child gives a wrong answer, that child is not going to want to answer a question again. You need to be positive and reassuring to the child.