Hey everyone,
I hope you all are still enjoying your different sites. This week was the last week for smart camp. I enjoyed this camp series over strong camp because I got to see where the kids stood intellectually which was very interesting and exciting for me. A good handful of the girls were above average for their grade level, some were average, and a few were below. For this series I only worked with 6-8 year olds and a little with 9-11 year olds.
For my sessions with 6-8 I taught them about non-traditional or non-stereotypical jobs that women have or may not be exposed to. To make the lessons more interactive I had them play charades with the different careers. We also played “Who am I?” where I would describe a typical day of a certain job and they had to tell me what career I was describing. They really seemed to enjoy it. The last session of this topic I asked them to draw a picture of what they wanted to be when they grow up and they had to present it to the group. I heard everything from nurse to doctor, to business owner to veterinarian. One girl said she wanted to be a Pump it Up worker because they have the coolest job ever. Another girl said she wanted to work at Marshalls because her mom worked at Marshalls. I love that she wants to be like her mom when she grows up, but I couldn't help but worry that she was limiting herself. Not that working at Marshalls is a bad job, she just has so much potential to be whatever she wants to be. I know that she is too young to be worried about this just yet, but I’m a worrier so I couldn't help it.
With the 9-11 group I did a session focused on science project type stuff. We made soap powered boats and water powered boats. I didn't think the girls would like this session too much because it was educational, but they were all asking me questions on the mechanics of the boat and were engaged in the activity all the way through which surprised me.
On Friday we had an Expo for the parents where they could come and see the projects the girls did during smart camp. We had different tables set up with projects such as the boats and the pictures the 6-8 drew. A camper was designated to each table to be the spokesperson and inform the parents about the specific project. The girls also had a lemonade stand and a cookie sell. It was hilarious to see how seriously they took their profits. Everyone did such a good job with executing the Expo and I’m so proud of all the hard work the girls did to make it successful. I loved seeing how proud the girls were of their work. It made my heart happy.
I think the work you are doing is really important and I admire you for being a role model for these girls and teaching them to love and respect themselves, which I know can be very difficult. It's great that you are getting them to think about the future and encouraging them to have dreams and aspirations. I know it's a little worrying that some girls might be limiting themselves, but it's ok for them to want to be just like their moms right now. It shows the importance of good role models, and I know they will be looking up to you and listening to all the encouragement you give them!
ReplyDelete"A good handful of the girls were above average for their grade level, some were average, and a few were below"
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis! I am wondering if this surprised you. I have a similar situation with my students and when I found myself to be surprised that they weren't below grade level. I was really disappointed in myself. Yes, I work in underserved neighborhoods, but why did I expect the worst? We also hear about these "failing" schools, but forget that they are bright, interested, and awesome kids! Let me know what you think!
"I asked them to draw a picture of what they wanted to be when they grow up and they had to present it to the group."
Wow it really seems like we're doing similar stuff. I had my K-5 students do a similar activity! Hope it worked out well for you!
Yes, I was surprised too. I originally thought that the majority of the kids would be below average. I was also disappointed in myself for assuming, but I'm glad I was wrong.
DeleteHey Alexis!
ReplyDeleteI love that you gave the girls an opportunity to express their interests and dreams. You really seem to have fallen into your role as a facilitator and as a mentor for them, and I'm so proud of you! And I wouldn't worry too much about them not having big aspirations. When I was little, I wanted to be a taxi driver, because I thought taxis were cool, and i still managed to make it this far.
I understand exactly how you feel when you said you were surprised that the girls were as engaged with the science activity as they were. Our girls are always saying they usually hate being outside, getting dirty, and getting sunburnt. But they keep coming back every day, and they never complain to us about anything. We've even heard them tell strangers all the time about how much they love the program and they wouldn't trade it for the world.
I think this idea of encouraging the participants to try something new is one of the greatest strengths of Girls Inc. The facilitators rarely take no for an answer until the participant has experienced the new activity. And more often than not, the participant ends up loving it.