Internship
For my internship I chose to help out at Paden Elementary School. I chose to help at a school because I have been strongly considering becoming a teacher, and this internship may make a difference in the long run. I also knew that I would fulfill my duties there because it is so close to ACLC and I would be able to make it there when I intended because I wouldn’t have to depend on anyone giving me a ride. I also just enjoy working with the kids, and whatever career path I choose I know for a fact that it will involve children.
During my time at Paden I not only learned a lot about children, but about myself as well. I didn’t realize how much responsibility and care had to be put into working with kids, because as their guardian at the moment you have to ensure their safety. During my time at Paden I have developed a whole new respect for teachers and why they take certain things as far as they do, because if a child is hurt while in your care you’re the person that everyone turns to.
While at Paden my job mainly consisted of working with and helping the kids with their final projects which were their Science Fair Projects, Persuasive Essays, and State PowerPoint’s. While doing this I definitely learned that their work doesn’t have to be of high school quality, so I definitely had to check myself and cut them a little slack when they asked me “wait! I have to do all that!” I would usually laugh and remind myself of their fifth grade expectations. During my time at Paden I also played a lot of board games with the kids that Mr. Brandle felt needed some “chill time” (he often called it)or kids who finished things early and had nothing else to do, and this definitely mellowed them up a little bit and eased their minds from all the work that they’re doing.
While walking into Paden I thought it was going to be a quiet class and I would be passing out and grading papers and doing a little one-on-one tutoring with a few kids. This was not it at all. I guess I had completely forgotten about my fifth grade class and how excited we were to be completing our last elementary school year. Mr. Brandle’s fifth grade class is a fun, rowdy, and outgoing group of kids. I have only experienced one day with them actually quiet and focused and I can honestly say that it really shocked me. There are a great bunch of kids and over time I built a little relationship with each child.