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I should probably note that we had 8 children; three of which were between 1 and 2 years old.
Lesson Title: Birthday Celebration
Date of Class: November 2, 2016
Day of Class: Wednesday
Time of Class: 6:00-7:30
MC: John
DJ: Chandra
Assistants: None
Module: Celebrations
How Many Learners: 5
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): We need more loyalty cards as well as copies of the alphabet sheet(s).
Self Evaluation
Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 6
Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 5
Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 6
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 6
Total Score: 37
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific):
We began the class at 6:00 with two students and the others arrived about 6:05. One of the things that we focused on was not only doing the alphabet with them but afterwards working on words that use ‘b,’ ‘v,’ ‘d,’ and p.’ These were pretty basic but focused on the sounds that seem to keep being problematic. Words included boy, bat (none of them realized it meant something for a game as well as an animal), voice, verbal, box, dog, dig, park, and people. All of the adults were engaged but there were numerous interruptions as a result of two very young children absolutely being aggressive with other children who were trying to play. This resulted in lots of trips over to moms which interrupted the learning. It was interesting to note that things went extremely well in the week prior but these two children were not present. (Something we might want to think about with regards to how to keep them engaged and apart from some students they really seem to target.)
Before getting into the lesson, I reviewed some of the terms from Tuesday with students and even though Jazmine was not there on Tuesday, others explained what the items were that we had the previous night. With regards to our theme of ‘Celebrations, we covered various aspects of things we have for birthday parties including hats, party favors, candles (which were not lit), cake and ice cream (neither of which were present but we did hand out cupcakes at the end) pin the tail on the donkey, and a present. We practiced these words in short sentences like; “I have a candle,” and “I have candles,” to show the difference between an individual item and when things are in a group.Lesson Title: Ballot Measure 94 and When a Judge Should Retire
Date of Class: October 26, 2016
Day of Class: Wednesday
Time of Class: 6:00 – 7:30
MC: Chandra
DJ: John
Assistants: NA
Module: Ballot Measures
How Many Learners: 5
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):Self Evaluation
Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 7
Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 7
Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7Total Score: 42
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): After arriving in extremely heavy downpours John had the 5 youngest children go to an area in the room and engaged them with various activities while Chandra led the group. Throughout the evening, they remained engaged and we now have two students who actually say and/or read the material when the MC might normally do this. They were able to concentrate because the kids were fully engaged where they were. Before getting into the lesson, Chandra explained about retirement and what that means and presented various options might do when they did retire. The conversation flowed freely and was clearly enjoyed by all of the participants.
Lesson Title: “The Big One”
Date of Class: October 4, 2016
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 6:00 – 7:30
MC: Patrik
DJ: John Mayner
Assistants: N/A
Module: Emergency Preparedness
How Many Learners: 7
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc): We need a master for the name cards, more alphabet sheets, and more evaluation forms. I will try to get these tonight or within the weekSelf Evaluation
Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 6
Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 6
Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 3
Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 6
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 7
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 6Total Score: 34
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): Whereas there is a group in the room before us, it often is a bit of a rush to get things in order. However, several students arrived excited, ready, and on time. Laughter began early and that allowed for a swift movement into the lessons. Although the students are eager the reality was that between emergency alarms on doors and cars and kids being kids, things were a bit distracting for everyone last night. We finished the evening feeling a little weary but sensing that this group is one where the students will do everything they can not to be distracted from their learning English.
Lesson Title: Emergency
Date of Class: 09/27/2016
Day of Class: Tuesday
Time of Class: 6:00- 7:00
MC: Patrik
DJ: John M.
Assistants: Chandra, Denise, Carlos, Marilynn, WendyZadog
Module: Emergency Preparedness
How Many Learners: 13
Materials Status (loyalty cards, alphabet sheets, etc):A. We need to obtain a master sheets for the name cards and “Lesson Self Evaluations”
B. We need to print several sheets of each, cut out each name card, and have them ready for class.Self Evaluation
Preparation: Forgot to Show Up (1) vs. Every Hair In Place (10) = 6
Technique: Completely Incompetent (1) vs. Flawless Delivery (10) = 6
Engagement: Snoring Loudly (1) vs. Absolutely Riveted (10) = 7
Connection: Open Hostility (1) vs. Kumbayah (10) = 7
Poise: Charlie Brown (1) vs. Prince (10) = 9
Reflection: “It was ok.” (1) vs. Life-changing Epiphany (10) = 7Total Score: 42
What happened (as short or as long as you like, but be specific): We had a nervous group – including all of us involved with facilitating and assisting – but within a very short time people were engaged. As the evening moved along laughter began to come from students as they relaxed which helped everyone gain confidence that this was a safe space. People came and joined throughout the evening and despite one very young girl becoming distraught and crying for much of the class, people opened up. We were able to overcome distractions, newcomer nervousness, people coming really late in the process and begin to create a new, safe, community of learners – some learning language and communication skills while others of us learned more about techniques to create a successful learning environment.
Like any new venture there was moments of sheer panic as we adapted and addressed various issues that arose throughout the evening. As a team of volunteers; we began to really gel together while the students also adapted and connected through the routines associated with our program. Students left laughing and happy. As a group assisting, we too left contented but tired. Both of which are as it should be. :-)