As part of my community engagement, I chose to be a helper in the life skills class. I have had some experience being a helper in elementary school.

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At the start of the class, we watched CNN10, where they did a warm-up where they wrote down a who, what, where, and what you learned about the news. CNN10 also offers a question related to a news story, and the teacher gave everyone in the class an opportunity to answer, which I think is good. During Language Arts, I helped some students understand some key words they were learning and helped them find the answers to the questions that they were asked. throughout the class I also Joked around with them and made some connections by complimenting of some students' artwork and when I noticed a student was looking up Kirby on her Chromebook I showed her my Kirby button on my lanyard and she grabbed it but I said "look don't touch" and she let go, but she liked it.

 

Due to it being Ilearn testing, I was able to spend most of the day with the class and got some experience with middle school Life Skills. I noticed that, along with learning the usual school subjects, they learn how to think critically within complex situations. These were called "Sticky Situations," and the scenario they had involved a "friend" stealing a phone and showing it to you, and the questions were along the lines of "what would you do in this situation?" The students were allowed to say their thoughts, and they suggested that if this "friend" steals phones, she may not really be a friend, and also that they would tell the teacher.

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They also work on communication skills in what is called a "proactive circle," where they answer a question that was asked and are encouraged to listen without talking to each other. They also give kudos to each other at the end.

 

There was one moment during Language Arts when a storm was passing through, and a student was worried and scared that there might be a drill. I comforted her and said I don't like storms either, and the teachers told her that there are procedures in place to keep us all safe. 

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These students also formed friendships with each other and the teachers. They help each other communicate and solve problems. Overall, I am grateful that these students are given the opportunity to participate in a school environment and are learning the skills needed to grow and develop.