September 1st - I Love Teaching Math

Today was all about teaching math. One of the other volunteers and I started at Precious working with the kids on addition and basic division. We used beans for division - which work great - but at a certain point, the energy starts to fade so using the cardboard flashcards, we introduced 'fast math' – the kids liked it – but again, only for so long. I've enjoyed starting to teach with someone else- just to be able to pass the class back and forth – it helps manage our, or at least my, energy and that of the class. I suppose a more structured lesson plan would also solve the problem ... but it's much more fun adhoc with someone else. I'm reminded again just how much the kids want to learn – they certainly stayed focused more than I expected.

We then took our show on the road – we taught math again at Olives in the afternoon. We had a chalk board this time and it was a smaller group, most about the same level, both of which really helped. It was a laugh. I'm learning about my teaching style – perhaps best described as a little haphazard ... my fellow teacher was much more structured and I see the advantages of that approach ... especially after I went out on a limb and tried competitive math ... maybe not such a good idea ... however, it did show us where they were individually :-) I had a great day teaching – and I've recalled my love of math – I really, really love it. I'd teach them quadratic equations if I could ... I always thought I'd make an excellent high school algebra teacher ... I will find a way to share my love of math with kids when I go home.

I do also catch myself wondering how I'm doing from other's perspectives – have I done as good a job as someone else – how do I compare ... nothing like a little competitive volunteering ... all wrapped up in my need for the approval of others. I realized again I need to think about what is the volunteer experience I want to have - and more importantly, what is the experience I want to provide to the kids and the people I'm working with. A good reminder to keep that front and center and reflect more going into a situation rather than only when I come out e.g. how am I more intentional of the impact I want to create – and for what reason.

The evening was quiet as we were all tired. I'm fighting a cold and have little energy. We had some laughs as I was introduced to the addictive world of Facebook games. I also decided that beer was a good medicinal sleep aid – not sure it helped with the word jumble but definitely helped me sleep.