Service - Kindergarten

Some time ago I have started a voluntary service in the local kindergarten. It is the kindergarten I used to attend when I was a child. It is really nice to go back there not as a student but look at everything with the teacher's point of view. When I went there for the first time I was afraid and didn't know what should I do to not break any rules which are set there. I didn't know how to act towards children. I might say that I was more stressed than those children when seeing the unfamiliar person. 
My first task to do was to help in decorating the hall for the masked ball. I saw that being the teacher in the kindergarten not only means to teach children but also have different work such as hang the string right under the ceiling. 
What intrigue me is that in every group, independently of age, there are same people such as leaders or the outsiders. You can watch their behavior and make some conclusion. By now I had my service in the two groups - in 4  and 6 ages group. The interesting and quirky fact is that in those two groups I immediately focused my attention on children who are somehow different, who are unique. They diverge form others. It is really strange but I feel bonded with them.

Service - English teaching

It has been 4 months since I've started to have lessons with Mikołaj.I feel that I faced that challenge successfully. It was hard for me to learn how to work with him. 

Because of our meetings I've became more assertive for sure. Sometimes he requested to end our lessons when we were only half way through, but I always tried to somehow change the subject and continue our learning. 

What's really interesting is that, when I tell him that I would give him a reward, his work was more efficient. He was more focused on what I was wanted him to do and even asked me for more information.

 Sometimes it was also difficult to manage my time and I had to plan everything out, but I handled it and I feel I become more organized. 

What makes me really happy is the fact that I hear form his mother that he started to use some words at home. It means I encourage him to English. He really improves so I guess I've done my job well.

CAS outcomes:

- Increased awareness of strengths and areas for grow, 

- Showing perseverance and commitment, 

- Undertaking new challenges,

- Developing new skills,

- Consideration of ethical implication,

- Working collaboratively with others 

Service - English teaching

Working with Mikołaj gives me a lot of happiness. He has changed his attitude towards our lessons and he is more eager to gain more knowledge. I hear from his mom that he often asks her when I will come, which makes me really satisfied, because begging of our collaboration was tough. He couldn't focus and remember new words.

Now Mikołaj acquires more and in the shorter time. What is the most important he does not forget what he learnt. On every lesson we recall what we learnt before. Lately he even asks for more words and he himself proposes what we can do on the next lesson. I speak to him in English and he understand more and do what I currently tell him to do.

I am really glad and feel proud that during such a period I encourage him to English. In my opinion is amazing that a child, as he is, wants to learn something new.

Creativity - German learning

I thought German learning would be easy and quite effortless, that it will stick in my mind. Actually initially it was as I have learn simple words and lately I decided that I am ready to introduce the grammar and sentence making and this is where I found it difficult. German grammar is not similar to English one. However, in my opinion words are easier to remember. By learning another language I reflect on how important nowadays is speaking several language. Friend of mines is able to speak 4 languages fluently and I thought about how that fact can provide him a brilliant future. Theoretically he could work at 4 different countries as he will understand basic language and learn specific terms.  

But on the other hand is he able to learn each of this languages as his mother tongue? I was wondering if it is even possible as well as what about the aspect of adaptation. If person is able to fit and adapt to particular, different that his/her culture of origin? I think that there are several issues that cannot be overcome and culture is one of them. 

Learning outcomes:
- Undertaking new challenges,
- Planned and initiated activities, 
- Consideration of ethical implications,
- Developing new skills,
- Increased awareness of strengths and areas for growth

Creativity - German learning

My attitude towards German language is positive. Till I have started to learn it in middle school I always wanted to speak fluently this language. Only and main obstacle was my German teacher. She was really nice and I do liked her but she could not bequeath the knowledge. Because of that my level of German is nearly equal zero.

 The main reason I want to know that language is because in the future I really want to live in Austria. Also, I have been told that I have got German origins which even more encouraged me to learn it.

After one lesson I know that my teacher is really good and she will explain to me everything. I understood things I did not few years ago and now they seem so easy.

I have a big motivation to make my dream come true so I guess that after those 2 years I will be able to speak German.

Service -English teaching

Two weeks ago I started to teach my cousin - Mikołaj - English. When I had chosen it, I thought that this will be a piece of cake, because what could be hard at teaching? Especially when a person you are going to teach is your family member - little, 5 years old boy, who mostly is well-behaved.

We have our lessons once a week and I think is enough for a young boy like him. The lessons last about 40 minutes, and every lesson I introduce to him 3 to 4 new words in English. I noted that he really like to colour so colouring pages are my helpers. At the beginning of each of our new lesson we repeat words form last meeting to consolidate the material.

After two weeks I do not have much to say, because it is too early.  However, my first thought was that the task I have undertook is not easy. Mikołaj really fast gets bored and he actually does not treat me seriously. I am doing my best and after first lesson I have changed a bit my strategy into speaking constantly English to him. It appears to be a way better option because he tries to figure out what I mean and  hear how English sounds.

My feelings towards those lessons is absolutely positive. I really do like to take challenges and that is one of them. Working with children require so much patience, which I do not really have, so I hope that is going to be a main feature I will develop during my adventure with teaching.








Here are some of Mikołaj's works. They are from our family and animals lessons.

Introduction

Hi guys! Let me first introduce myself. ;) My name is Weronika, I'm 17 and I'm from Poland. I am a student of International Baccalaureate Program. As some of you might not know anything about this program I will say what is my blog actually about. Sooo...the IB Program contents something called CAS, which is Creativity, Activity and Service and it is required to graduate. During my 2 years program I have to for example attending the dance lessons (creativity) or learn how to ice-skating (activity) or volunteer in the hospice (service) but the most important thing are my reflections. The aim of CAS is to gain some experience, sometimes challenge yourself and mainly provoke afterthoughts.

 Now, you have some clue how it works. :) You should also know what I'm going to do for my CAS, so here we go!

Creativity: learn new language - German,

Activity: work out at gym and learn how to snowboarding,

Service: teach my distant cousin English and be a volunteer at the Children's house.


For now that only it but I'm surely gonna add more. ;) Be ready!