School Supplies

Service Learning ProjectErika Handlerehandler@knights.ucf.eduApril 23, 2010EEX 4070

Early PerceptionsGoing into the school at first I felt like it would be extremely difficult working with LD students especially for me since Ive never had any experience in this field.

I thought the students would be very difficult to manage since I was a new person to them they would become hostile or throw chairs and temper tantrums like Ive heard happen.

Introduction to Site

Mrs. FordThe teacher who I volunteered forCamelot Elementary School14501 Waterford Chase Parkway | Orlando , FL 32828

Pictures were taken from school website:https://www.ocps.net/lc/east/eca/Pages/default.aspx

Demographics

Hispanics 45%Blacks 12%Whites 35%Asian/Pacific Islander 5%Multiracial 3%

Students with disabilities 14%Gifted Students 4%English Language Learners 31%Students per teacher 14

Personal DemographicsElementary Education Major

Spanish Minor

Afternoon Kindergarten Teacher

Hispanic- Born in Nicaragua

German background

Love to run

Engagement Activities

Reading- The student would read to me his or her library book. Provide questioning- After the students were done reading their library books to me I would come up with questions from the story for them to answer.Engage in class activities- If the teacher needed me to read a book to the class I would. I would also participate in small skits the teacher had them read.Tutoring- I would provide the students with help with their class work if needed.

**I was not allowed to take pictures of the students**

Participant Demographics

Age range- 5-10

Gender- Female and Male

Ethnic Background- White, Black, Spanish, and Indian

Linguistic Heritage- Spanish and English

Exceptionalities- Vary

The class in where I volunteered had only 8 students.

Reflection of your experiencesAfter volunteering at Camelot with Mrs. Ford I felt I was more experienced to work with students with disabilities. At first I was afraid of what I had been told when working with students with disability but now from own experience I know its not much different than working with regular students (sometimes) just more attention and being able to change lessons to that will meet their needs.I have learned that every student has its own need and as a teacher one needs to be able to meet their needs in order for them to be successful.

Reflection of your experiences contI am now able to think back to my volunteering with these children and apply it to my own classroom and students. I also can try to come up with similar lessons like Mrs. Ford came up with that will benefit my students.

I also learned not to be judgmental just because some stories Ive heard pertaining to students doesnt mean it applies to all students with learning disabilities.