In Dale’s class, Christian Senior Faith Journey, each senior is assigned to do service throughout the semester. This is a way the seniors can give back to the community.
For my service work, I go to Waterford Elementary during third period on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I work with Miss Dhaemers’ and Miss Steele’s Kindergarten classes.
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I show up never really knowing what I will be doing that day. Some days are slow and I sit and listen to the teacher read to the class. During this time, the kindergarteners all sit down on their spot on the mat, sit criss cross applesauce, and help the teacher read or answer any questions she asks them about the story.
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Most days I help a student with their writing or reading skills. I’ll sit down individually with a student and help them form words by sounding them out and (with their letter chart) help them write out those words.
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On days that Bethany has a delay, I typically get to go outside with the kids for recess. This is my favorite part of service because I get to know the kids better and talk with kids that I wouldn’t usually get to interact with.
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Doing service at Waterford has been a great experience for me. I enjoy seeing the chitlins (what I call the kindergarteners) and working with them. One of my favorite things to see is the way the kids learn and improve each time I come and what they obtained from the last time I came. It makes me think that I can have a positive influence on them. Over this semester they have certainly had a positive influence on me.