Student Reflection: A Balancing Act


by Megan Knight

When I started tutoring at Leal, I was worried the kids would not take me seriously and they would not listen to anything I said. However, every time I have had to take my fifth graders out into the hall to do work, they always do everything I say and never complain. While I do enjoy knowing that the kids respect me, I also want them to feel comfortable with me and see me as their friend. And I think this is starting to happen.

Two weeks ago, I was working in the hallway with a girl from my fifth grade class, and she started to talk about her friends and family. It was nice to take a break from the work and actually get to know a student. Now when I go to class, she always makes eye contact with me and smiles and waves, and it makes me feel more at ease. I think it’s good to find a balance between work and play, and I’ve decided that it’s my goal to learn all of the students’ names and at least one fact about them.

Last week when I was working with one of my fifth graders in the hallway, the first grade class that I also work with was passing by on their way to the cafeteria, and one of the girls that I work with came up behind me and gave me a hug. The kids are starting to warm up to me and connect with me, which makes my job a lot more fun and rewarding. When they get more familiar with me and think of me as their friend, I think they will be more willing to do the work and we can have more fun in the process.

Comments

  1. Ann AbbottFebruary 23, 2009 at 3:15 PM

    I think your goal is a really, really good one, Megan!
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  2. G. A. February 25, 2009 at 9:37 AM

    And I think that picture is hilarious!

    ReplyDelete

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