10.25.2007

Kids' Enthusiasm Grows

By Jennifer Harrington

As the first session draws to a close I look back with fondness over the last nine weeks. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to interact with each student at the ILC. It was exciting to watch the kids bond with each other as well as with the teachers. I feel like I had the chance to get to know each student fairly well, and I enjoyed visiting with them about school, sports, friends, etc.

As the Program Coordinator I had the unique opportunity to observe each student in the various aspects of the program. I hung out with the kids and played games with them when they first arrived and monitored them while they had snack. After the students were in their classrooms, I got to pop in and out and observe the lessons. At times I acted as a listener for the older students as they worked to master stories, while other times I was a reader for the younger students during free reading time. Often I observed the students as they interacted with adult volunteers from the community.

It was exciting to watch the students' enthusiasm for reading grow as the weeks wore on. As they learned new techniques for reading and comprehension, I could see their confidence increase. I feel certain that every kid at the ILC has been greatly benefited and that they have been set on the right path to achieve academic success, which will help them use the strengths God has given them to improve their world.

No comments: