Jennifer Lung

October 8, 2007
12:30 to 2 pm

Another day of service learning in the forth grade classroom. I actually enjoyed myself this time. The students were working on a writing assignment when I entered the room and I was asked to help the children that were having trouble. Many of the students did not understand the instructions and could not figure out how to build a proper paragraph. I started with a girl who was bright but could not transfer her thoughts effectively to paper. This student is often disruptive for the teacher but for some reason shows me a level of respect. We worked together for the majority of my time there. I think she really just needed some personal attention. Other student had great beginnings to their papers but could not stay focused. It was almost impossible for a child to complete an assignment in the environment that was established. I did notice two groups of students acting out. The gifted and the below average would not behave. This is probably because they are not receiving enough personal attention or they are not being challenged. Interesting were the dynamics in the room during the writing block. My heart goes out to these children and I only wish I could be there more often for them.