Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Life Changing

Yesterday I had to teach an art project to 4th graders at a low socio-economic school. They were so thirsty for the knowledge, it made me feel good to be able to share that with them. They don't have an art teacher at their school, and MOST of the teachers there are 'old school', and think that art isn't important, so they don't integrate it in their lessons.

I was there for three hours, and when I left, I thought I was going to fall asleep on the drive home. They totally exhausted me. [Did I mention the school doesn't have central heating or cooling, and it was definitely in the 70's] I'm not sure if I can do this every day!
They just lovvvved it. They were so needy, too. 'Ms. Keith, I can't draw.' 'Ms. Keith, I don't know how to fold paper.' All they wanted was a little bit of attention, and I'm glad that I could be the one to give it to them.

I realize that I was the one being graded, but at one point, I just wanted to grade their teacher, or at least give her a few pointers. Like, integrate art into your lessons, even if it's just a coloring activity. They were SO enthralled, I'm sure they would behave better if they had SOMETHING to look forward to. Also, don't just yell at your kids all the time, all they want is attention. Show them some every now & again. Oh, and how about some positive reinforcement? That might help.

As tired as I was, I felt so good as I was walking out the door, and a kid said 'Can you come back tomorrow' and another kid added 'And the next day' and another kid chimed in 'Please just come here every day.'

So, now I am a little more motivated about teaching, and I really hope that when I do graduate and get a job, that my students will be as appreciative as those kids were.

2 comments:

for the love of pictures said...

That sounds like an excellent day. It's always wonderful when you can tell that you've made that kind of positive impact just by doing something that you love. I wish you plenty more wonderful days like that - with central heating and cooling though :)

Mr O said...

Ms. Keith haha, those crazy kids showing you respect. But it won't be that name for long...