Westridge Elementary 01/27/14

Today was so fun!! I volunteered from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm in a 2nd grade classroom with a teacher named Ms. Gardiner. I really enjoyed being with the kids for this long, I felt like I really learned a lot about classroom management. In this particular class, there are many kids whose first language isn't English.

To help these kids, Ms. Gardiner taught in a very visual manner. I especially commend her for having visual representations during math time. Math can be very difficult for 2nd graders, especially if they don't speak or understand english very well. I feel like showing the students instead of telling them is always a better teaching method, no matter what the subject is.

Another approach taken was that after a concept was explained, the teacher would go around and help students individually with their work. I feel like one-on-one time is so beneficial for students, especially if they are learning english. Ms. Gardiner was so great at working with each student, I could tell that she really cared for each one and wanted them to succeed. I learned a lot from being in this class, and I can't wait to go again next Monday!!