Intro Post: How I Got My WLE: October 26, 2010

This year getting an internship was easy for me because I am going to continue to work at Children's Choice Preschool. The leadership skill I used to obtain my internship is Communicate Effectively and Productively. All I had to do was call Mrs. Frances and ask for my old position back. She was thrilled to have heard for me. I think what will make this experience more fun this year is the fact that I'm working with Jasmine Hendricks. We always seem to have fun no matter what we do.


My mentor again this year is Mrs. Frances, the owner of Children's Choice. Children's Choice is located in HAyward, CA off of West Harder Road. This year I will probably be doing the same that I did last year. I will be watching the children during playtime, assisting them with art and school projects, and assist them while eating. The best part of this job is that I get to play with the kids and get to know them as individuals.

Post 1: November 3, 2010

On my first day of my WLE I took the kids out to play and supervised them for about an hour and a half. After that it was Share Time and each kid brought a toy or book to share with the rest of class. When Share Time was over, it was time to play with the Share Time toys. After playtime, it was lunchtime for the children. I helped assist the children in opening the packaging to their food and anything else they needed. When everyone is done eating, it is time for nap time. I had to make sure they were all asleep before I could take my lunch break. 1 o'clock came around and it was time for Jamine and I to take our lunch break. We walked ALL the way to McDonalds for food. When we came back from lunch the kids were still sleeping. When the children woke up, it was snack time and then play time for the rest of the day.

No offense to anybody but I was pretty bored all day. There wasn't much to do. When I had WLE here on Wednesday's there was always something for me to do. Since Friday is a chill day for the kids, I basically just sat there. I know I didn't impress Mrs. Frances because she left within the first 30 minutes of my arrival. She even stated that on some Firday's she wouldn't come in at all. One question I have for Ms. B is, should I find a new internship since I won't be doing much at Children's Choice?

Post 2: November 12, 2010

This week at my WLE, it was a little tense. Jasmine and I had a meeting with Ms. Frances about the previous week we were there. Mrs. Frances was unaware that her staff wasn't doing what they were supposed to be doing on the Friday's that she was not there. It made me upset to see Mrs. Frances upset. How could you take advantage of someone who is so nice? How could you take advantage of someone who has to be home to take care of her husband? That is very hurtful, even for me. Mrs. Frances pays them to do their job and they weren't doing what they were paid to do. Honestly if I was her, I would dock their pay for all the Friday's I wasn't there because who knows how long they've been pulling the wool over her eyes? I can understand why Ms. Frances was so upset. It's like you can't trust the people you work with.

I wonder how this has effected the kids. The kids have missed out on so many art projects and cooking projects that they probably would have enjoyed. I'm glad that I brought this up in my previous blog because now Mrs. Frances is aware of the things going on in her workplace. Since I am here, I will make sure that anything that doesn't feel right gets brought up to Mrs. Frances when she is not in attendance.

Post 3: December 8, 2010

So I feel that the blog prompts for this week are pointless. I'd much rather speak about my day at the internship. Even though today was a chill day, I had a lot of fun working. Every Friday is share day where the kids bring a toy or a book to share with their classmates. After they go to the front of the class and tell everyone what they brought, it is time to share it with all the other students. Today was special to me because there is a new kid named Ishmel who doesn't speak any English at all. What warmed my heart was during share time, another kid named Chandon saw that Ishmel wasn't playing with anyone so he took his share toy over to Ishmel to play with him. That was the first time I saw Ishmel with a smile on his face. It's moments like these that make me want to work with children in the future. Children like Chandon are the ones that teachers grow attatched to because they are so loving and caring. I wish Miss Emily would have caught this act of selflessness on Chandon's part. I think that for Ishmel not being able to speak English it's a real challenge for not only the teachers, but for him. Before share time, it was play time outside and he was playing alone. Nobody even tried speaking to him. All day I couldn't help but wonder what was going through this child's mind. He can't understand the books the teachers read or listen to directions. How long will it take him - and children of this same problem - to learn what he needs to learn before kindergarden? Maybe if I don't become a nurse, that will be my focus.

Post 7: How my WLE Project is going January 19th

This week for my project, I did an art activity with the kids. We used a coffee filter with water colors to create a pattern mixing red & blue to make purple. For my entire WLE project, I am experiementing how kids learn at different levels. In the next three weeks, I plan on doing different projects -- another art project, a cooking project, and a learning activity. With these, I plan on proving my hypothesis.

Post 8: Looking at other people's blogs January 26th

I feel that I am learning more than other people. I have a passion for what I am doing and it seems like my peers are only doing it because they have to. I read almost everybody's blogs. Most people only have done the first couple. The person who seems to spend a lot of time on their blogs is Julie Grant. She adds a lot of detail and really explains her days. I think if I add more details like Julie, my blogs will be more enjoyable to read. As I said before, not many people are blogging, including myself. I need to focus on me before I can help someone else and that's just me being real.
Even though I've been at my WLE for two months, I never get bored. Dealing with these kids is always interesting. They all have different personalities and sometimes they can be very funny. This week I made Jello for the kids and they loved it. Maybe for my last day I will make them treats. Gosh I'm going to miss these kids.

Post 10: My Last Day at WLE

On my last day at my WLE, I made an art project for Valentines Day. I cut out hearts and let the kids spray paint them. After that, it was just like a regular day at my WLE. This year I learned even more how much I love working with kids. I may even want to become a teacher now. Through the work world, I learned that people can be very shady. I knew everyone had this side to them, I just didn't know they would bring it to the workplace in front of children. I did a project each week to ensure that I had a strong project to present in front of my Academic Semianr. I may have to go back and take pictures of the projects I did that Ms. Emily posted on the wall.

Post 1: How I Plan To Get My WLE: January 6th

The type of internship I am looking for is in the pediatric nursing field. For about two weeks now, I've been calling nursery schools and hospitals for an internship. So far I've been turned down because these places aren't able to house me as an intern. Today since I was not at Job Shadow Day, I continued to look for places that would be up for a volunteer. I still have yet to find a solid source. As I continue to look, I will fill out applications and go to hospitals to talk to Human Resources directors. Hopefully by next Wednesday I will be successful.

Post 4: Getting The Shots For My WLE: February 4th

This Wednesday I went to Children's Hospital to get my TB shot. All volunteers have to go through a screening process to make sure you aren't infected with anything. Next Tuesday, I have to go back to Children's Hospital for my second TB shot to make sure the first one wasn't defective. Tomorrow though, I have to go to my regular doctor for my regular Flu shot, my H1N1 shot, and a lot of others.

I have yet to start my WLE because I have to get all the proper work submitted and that takes a lot time. i am trying to push the process as fast as I can but there's only so much I can do as a minor. The only help that I need is for the staff to be patient with me. I promise to make up the hours that I have already missed and I will succeed with this WLE project.

Post 5: Doctor's Appointment: February 12th

Today I went to a doctors appointment in East Palo Alto to get my blood drawn. When I got to the hospital I was really nervous because I hate needles. I know I will have to get over my fear if I want to be a nurse but, its different when the needle is being stuck in you. I was glad this time that they could find my veins easily because usually they have to poke me more than once. As I watched my blood being taken from my arm I started to get dizzy. They filled 23 containers with my blood and I can remember sitting there wondering if I would pass out. After they were done taking my blood, the doctor told my mom to watch me for the next couple of hours and make sure I was okay. My appointment lasted from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm.

After we left from that appointment, I had an orthodontist appointment in Oakland. While on the way to my appointment, I got a phone call from Children's Hospital that said I was negative of everything. They also said that the application and interviewing process would take at least 1-2 months. Since I dont have that much time to spare, I have to further my search for an internship. I was really disappointed because I really wanted to work there. My mom saw this and said I could still go through the process but I would have to find another internship in the meantime.

Post 6: Sick Day

This week I was really sick. I could barely get out of my bed to even get water. I don't know if it was related to my surgery, but I was having drastic pains in my stomach. If they had gotten worse, I would've had to go to the Emergency Room. I'm happy it didn't have to go that far though. I didn't go to my WLE because 1, I don't have one and 2, I didn't search for one because I was sick.

I haven't tried to find a WLE this week because I have been under so much stress at school. My plan is to speak with my Academic Aeminar teacher about my options. I have tried so hard during this whole process, that I'm drained. I just need help making a contact and I feel I can do the rest myself.

Post 7: My Interview at Children's Choice Preschool: March 5th

Today I was supposed to have an Interview with Frances Kong to see if I was right for this place as an intern. My interview was set to be at 11:30 am, but I knew to make a good impression I had to show up early. So instead of sleeping in, I got up around 8:30 or 9 to prepare myself. I was excited to meet the staff and the kids that I hoped to help out with in the near future.

I showed up to Children's Choice at 11:15 am sharp. I was a little nervous when I got there because I just wanted everyone to like me. When I walked in I asked for Frances Kong. Turns out she had t cancel because she had an emergency with her husband. I was both relieved and disappointed at the same time. I was dissapointed because I was really looking forward to meet her and the kids. I was relieved for the fact that I was extremely nervous. After I left, I went home and studied for school. Later that same day, I got a call from Mrs. Kong saying that I can start the following week. Yay! Finally. I can't wait.

Post 8: Analyzing My Workplace: March 10th

I work at a small business with about 8 adults, not counting Ursula and I. I think it's easy for me to work at a small business because you get to know everyone on a personal level. If I worked at a larger business, I would probably only say hi and bye to a majority of the employees. This is only because I woulnd't have time to socialize with them. At my internship, its in the job description to know the kids: their likes and dislikes, their personalites, and of course their names.

I think that we all just go straight to Mrs. Kong if there's a problem. All the teachers are usually together or within 10 ft in the next room, so we can all either hear or see what's going on. If there is a real problem, we need to take it up with Mrs. Kong. The employees are happy with their boss because she is really laid back. As long as the kids are safe, there isn't a problem. I work at a middle class business where the employees are probably not college educated. To work there, I think you just have to be First Aid and CPR certified and have some type of experience with kids. I am very happy with my environment so far. I love the kids. I think that having higher education will help me because I will be able to get the career that I long for.

Post 9: Helping Ms. Sandy

Today was really fun because I got to help with the youngest kids. They are so cute! After the early morning play time, I got to lead them through an art project -- painting with animal stamps. After that I helped serve them their lunch and got them ready for their nap. Some of the kids are easy to get to sleep but others just won't close their eyes! When they awake from their nap, it's snack time and then they go out to play for the rest of the day.

I think I want to create a lesson plan for the kids with me as their teacher. I want to see what its like to be the teacher for once. My essential question would be, How do teachers create a lesson plan that will keep the children's attention and curiousity? What does it consist of and how do the children react to it? Its more of an experiment but I'll work on a better one.

Post 10: Making Up For Lost Time: March 26th

I am not up to the 66.5 hours. I have something around 22 hours completed. I don't know if I will be able to get all the way up to 100 hours by May 5th because for Spring Break I'm going to New Orleans and can't make up time during then. I basically do the same thing each time I go. Help with breakfast, lunch, snack, nap time, and play time. I also read them a book. For my project, I want to create a lesson plan for the kids with me as their teacher.

Post 12: How My WLE Project is Going

This week my main focus was to make sure I gave a boy named Diego a lot of attention. Mrs. Frances asked me to keep an eye on him and make a connection with him. He's the type of kid that acts out when no one is paying attention. My exhibition project is to help a couple of kindergardeners with their work and make a connection with Diego to see if his behavior will improve. On exhibition night I plan to present what I learned in the process. My essential question is, What makes an effective teacher/tutor? In these next couple weeks I plan on helping the kindergardners and Diego.

Post 13: How My WLE Project Is Going

It was raining today at my internship so the kids had to stay inside all day. While the Preschoolers were playing inside, I went to help the Kindergardners with their work. Today I interacted with my mentor by asking her if there was anything else I could do in my down time. This week for my project, I helped the same Kindergardener, Malik, with his work. My plan to finish my project is just to continue to work with Malik. My project is based on what I learned so I can't really explain that until I'm finished.