Turning Point?

Hi guys! I'm back with another journal!! I'm actually really excited to share my experience with you guys today because it's the BEST session yet! Maybe it's just me, but I really think that today went really well and smoothly! Without further to do, let's get moving!

PS* Just to give y'all a heads up, today's blog is really long, like REALLY LONG! Hope you don't mind! Since it's so long, I won't blabber so much and get straight to business!

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Problems: ❗❓(recap)

• He reads simple words wrong

• Sometimes assumes a word to be another word without reading it carefully

• Missed the real definition of a new vocabulary and difficulty explaining them properly

Solutions:✅

• Have him spell out the word

• Identify the vowel sound then say it again

• Think about definitions of possible new words for Karl beforehand

• Elaborate your explanations and give LOTS of examples, like LOTS

Journal #9- Nov. 4 2020

Today's Wednesday, and as usual, I waited for the session to start in front my computer while sipping my cold soy milk. The season hasn't begun yet, but something feels different. I don't feel so nervous anymore. I spent the extra time thinking about what to say during the greet and connect. 

Karl entered the room and I started talking about the weather (great icebreaker 😅). I asked if he liked the rain and he said no, so I went further to ask what were his favourite seasons. He said none. I asked what seasons does he NOT like, and he said none AGAIN.

Him:

By his responses, I can already tell he's not interested, but I didn't want to give up from there.

One more attempt, I thought. "So you like all 4 seasons?" I asked. Finally, he said no no no, I like summer and winter, I don't like spring and fall. Relieved that he's finally responding, I told him that I also like those seasons because there's less rain. I learned that it's important to set the mood first or else he would continue to be bored for the rest of the session.

Me:

As we finished up the last few pages of the book, I tried my best to explain the words that he stumbled on. Like always, I could have done better, but I was able to connect the skills (short vowel sounds) we learned in the explanations. I was really grateful that although he didn't seem like he completely understood, he tried his best to pay attention and listen to what I had to say. I really appreciated it and it gives me motivation to do the job better next time! I also wasn't afraid to ask him to reread sentenced smoother, and I realized that he indeed got more fluent!

The next task we worked on were discussion questions. I asked 2 questions and he answered both (NOT HALF-HEARTEDLY!). My heart warms up when he tries to give a legitimate answer! I also used a blank document to type out most of the words that he struggled with in this book. I got him to read them one by one and even had him make 2 sentences out of 2 of the words. I was so glad that he was able and willing to do that!! 

YES!

Secondly, we looked at consonant blends and "r-blends". He made a mistake, but this time, I remembered the coordinators' exhortation. I didn't correct him when he made a mistake. We don't learn unless we make mistakes, so I allowed him to make the mistake and realize it later. When we finished, I scrolled through the page and let him look over it. I asked if he was sure everything was right. Karl said yes, so I gave him a hint and circled the question that was incorrect. At this point, he realized that the consonant blend for "clock" is "cl" not "cr". I learned that it's so, so, SO important to refrain from correcting their mistakes right on the spot. Our job should be guiding them to find and correct their own mistakes. AGAIN, I was so proud that I managed to guide him to find his mistake!

YES! x2

We are now on to the next book!😁 This is so exciting since I've gotten sick and tired of the last book😪. I purposely chose a storybook because it'll allow more comprehension and discussion questions. They are simply more interesting. When we took a picture work, I was glad that he remembered that I've taught him the word "vase" before! His eyes lit up and I could tell his brain was up and functioning, he remembered it had to with flowers! I got so excited😅.

YES! x3

During the picture walk, it felt amazing when my questions guided him to get a basic understanding of the sequence of events and the name of the dog in the story.

Something unexpected happened though. Apparently his internet wasn't stable, so he got kicked out of the meeting. Maya the program coordinator was here, so she contacted the executive coordinator to get him back in. During that time, I had a small break chatting with her. It was a good time haha. When he returned, there were only several minutes left, so I played snowman with him. I used the word that he spelled wrong in the worksheet, clock, and of course, he got it this time! At last, apparently his sister is here not his mom, and I tried to give a compliment about his great work today and give a reminder for when's next session. He even said thank you to me! Surprisingly, I barely stuttered there! In fact, I didn't stutter much throughout the whole 45 minutes. Even when I didn't know how to explain a vocabulary, I rather have a slight pause to think it through before speaking. I spoke loud and found myself displaying more enthusiasm. I felt less awkward giving compliments as well. After the session ended, I had a smile on myself. It was the first day where I ended the meeting grinning. I felt how rewarding it is to be a mentor for this program.

Giving is truly more rewarding than receiving,

I thought.

Though to many other mentors, these little successes may be nothing, but to me, they are everything. What made this session the best one yet was that I found myself handling obstacles differently in comparison to before. I felt that growth and development in my problem solving and decision making skills! These little successes are what made the session so great! 

Me as a little sprout

This blog is seriously so long, but thank you so much for sticking by! I'll quickly end off the blog here and see you next time!