Week 5 – Professional

‘I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’ (United States Code, 2006)

For part of one of our modules we must partake in 30 hours of observations which began this week. Kelly and I are observing a kindergarten class of 3-4 year olds in an on campus school called ‘Willie Price’. We are in the same class which was strange for both of us as we are used to having our own class. In the near future we may also have to co-teach some lessons which will also be in a new experience. The school looks very much like a typical primary school back home with its colourful tiles and displays of students work collaging the corridors. However one big difference was seen on one corridor which displays the children’s handprints in red. With them between white lines and beside the stars in blue, the combination represents the American flag as shown in the picture. This, along with the children standing with their hands over their heart and quoting the pledge of allegiance (shown above) every morning further reminded me of how patriotic the American people are.

Kelly and I were lucky enough to begin our observations on 14th February, also known as Valentine’s Day. I had predicted that the children would possibly produce a card each to send home to their parents which is what commonly happens at home but what we observed went further than any of my predictions and expectations. Firstly each child brought in small presents/cards to give to every other member in their class resulting in each child going home with a bag full of presents! The day was filled with free time and parties, some of which were organised by the parents who also came in to join the fun. What amazed me was just how enthusiastic the parents were. The mums especially, seemed to be very involved in making this a memorable Valentine’s Day through providing activities such as making heart shaped bird food holders and providing heart shaped cupcakes and sweets. They had everything organised right down to the very last detail. For example the table cloth was bright red and held red cups and heart shaped plates for lunch. I found it so surprising that such a fuss was made, especially for children who are not fully mature enough to understand what it all means.

The children are very outgoing and even within the first 15 minutes of Kelly and I being in the classroom they were jumping over us and getting us to read story after story. Back home there is such an awareness of the restrictions with regards to even picking the children up or giving them a hug. Here the children have a very strong relationship with their teacher as she is able to hug them and sets them on her lap if they feel upset which is rather unheard of at home. Furthermore I had expected to be called Miss Doone as this is the normal procedure in schools at home. But I quickly learnt that the children call you by your first name and I had to learn to respond to Miss Sarah. On our second day we witnessed more structured plan which included a Spanish lesson. Their level and ability in speaking Spanish was incredible which further emphasized the fact that young children are like sponges as they can absorb and retain so much information. I have learnt so much in the first week of observation and I enjoyed observing the comparisons and similarities between education here and at home. I thoroughly look forward to growing professionally during the time I spend at the school and not only will the children learn from me but I also hope to learn from them!

(23/02/2012)

References Title 4, Chapter 1 of United States Code (2006) The Pledge of Allegiance, available http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/4/4 (accessed 21/02/2012)