Preston Taylor Ministries: Final Observation The experience gained from observing and volunteering at Preston Taylor Ministries after school program was definitely unforgettable for a number of reasons. Preston Taylor Ministries is a child after school care program that facilitates a safe and fun environment to play in as well as help with homework and further instruction for all registered students grades k-5th. The Wilson Center, in which my observation was completed, is the biggest of six after school program facilities offered by Preston Taylor Ministries (PTM). Before I began my observation at Preston Taylor, I did some research to find out what type of people I would be working with and ultimately what to expect from the staff; consequently,
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My first day of observation was a bit deceitful when attempting to predict how the rest of my hours would be. At the Wilson Center of Preston Taylor, there are about 60 students enrolled, and there would be about 45-50 students daily. Because of this enormous student body, the children were divided into 3 groups: red, grades 4th-5th, green, grades 2nd -3rd, and blue, grades kindergarten and 1st. These groups were compiled of about 10-15 students. Because of this, the students were then divided into subgroups (i.e. blue 1, blue 2, and blue 3). The blue group was definitely the largest having about 6 students in each sub group. The first day was very interesting; the blue group was surprisingly well behaved. That day was also extremely quiet compared to the remaining days because about half of the students were not present for some reason. Once I received my room assignment, blue 2, I sat and waited for about 5 minutes and waited for the students to enter the room. Once they came in, the PTM instructor for the day asked the children if they had any homework. In grade school, a day rarely goes by that students have nothing to take home and complete even if the assignments is to review sight-words for the day. There were 3 children that day. Honesty, a kindergartener sat in the desk closest to me. Before the PTM instructor had even asked her if she had homework, she had already pulled out her …show more content…
Children were expected to be at PTM no later than 3:30pm which is plenty of time since most of the children attended schools in the surrounding area. As soon as they arrive, they are sent outside to play on the playground or on the big opened field for football. During this time, the children have a moment of their version of relaxation and freedom. Standing outside on the elevated steps, I was able to observe the child-to-child interaction. It was much like I had remembered my childhood to be during recess. The older kids were most often seen together challenging each other in monkey bar climbing contests or teaming up on the football field while the younger children ran around playing tag and sliding down the long, steep slide. Honestly this was my favorite part of the observation because it helped me to see how enthusiastic they can be outside of the classroom. I observed that most times, children who are quiet in the classroom are loud and outgoing outdoors. They are also better with team related games. On the contrary, I observed that children who are outgoing in the classroom most times tend to be more secluded outdoors and indulge in their own activities. They also enjoy being the leader of team related
My first day of observation was a bit deceitful when attempting to predict how the rest of my hours would be. At the Wilson Center of Preston Taylor, there are about 60 students enrolled, and there would be about 45-50 students daily. Because of this enormous student body, the children were divided into 3 groups: red, grades 4th-5th, green, grades 2nd -3rd, and blue, grades kindergarten and 1st. These groups were compiled of about 10-15 students. Because of this, the students were then divided into subgroups (i.e. blue 1, blue 2, and blue 3). The blue group was definitely the largest having about 6 students in each sub group. The first day was very interesting; the blue group was surprisingly well behaved. That day was also extremely quiet compared to the remaining days because about half of the students were not present for some reason. Once I received my room assignment, blue 2, I sat and waited for about 5 minutes and waited for the students to enter the room. Once they came in, the PTM instructor for the day asked the children if they had any homework. In grade school, a day rarely goes by that students have nothing to take home and complete even if the assignments is to review sight-words for the day. There were 3 children that day. Honesty, a kindergartener sat in the desk closest to me. Before the PTM instructor had even asked her if she had homework, she had already pulled out her …show more content…
Children were expected to be at PTM no later than 3:30pm which is plenty of time since most of the children attended schools in the surrounding area. As soon as they arrive, they are sent outside to play on the playground or on the big opened field for football. During this time, the children have a moment of their version of relaxation and freedom. Standing outside on the elevated steps, I was able to observe the child-to-child interaction. It was much like I had remembered my childhood to be during recess. The older kids were most often seen together challenging each other in monkey bar climbing contests or teaming up on the football field while the younger children ran around playing tag and sliding down the long, steep slide. Honestly this was my favorite part of the observation because it helped me to see how enthusiastic they can be outside of the classroom. I observed that most times, children who are quiet in the classroom are loud and outgoing outdoors. They are also better with team related games. On the contrary, I observed that children who are outgoing in the classroom most times tend to be more secluded outdoors and indulge in their own activities. They also enjoy being the leader of team related