On Sunday from 1:30pm to 5:00pm, the Roslyn AYLUS branch cooperate with teachers from Chinese Cultural Association of Long Island.
As a TA, not only do we have to assist the students when the teachers are busy with the smartboard, but also help the teachers figure out the mysteries of the smartboard and help them with other technology issues such as switching google accounts and screen sharing. Alongside our jobs as the technician, we also have to pump up the spirit in the room. While it’s important to make sure all the students are on task and safe, we also need to remember to treat them as human beings rather than just fragile subjects in a room you’re assigned to care for. We try to engage with the kids we’re assigned with to the best of our abilities, learning their names and hobbies, chatting with them until they feel comfortable around us, and encourage them to speak up and participate in class. A positive and secure environment is crucial for a child’s education, and we refuse to let their shyness around TAs with hinder their learning.
Due to the rapid approach of Christmas and New Years, from 3:15-4:00 we had a party in the classroom. Students and parents brought food- cookies, cupcakes, pizza, donuts, etc.- and we distributed them around the room. When serving food to students, especially those of younger age and are more susceptible to illness, we must all wash our hands and sanitize to rid ourselves of germs. Even though the kids are brimming with excitement, it is important to keep them in line orderly, demonstrating the importance of patience.
Afterwards, we advanced onto cultural hour. In calligraphy, we taped down desks with paper towels as to not damage the school’s property and rearranged the desks. While it’s easy to just ignore the strokes and just carelessly scribble characters, it’s important to keep an eye on the students and remind them to follow the displayed directions on the steps to writing a word.
Members who participated include:
Yang Amy Wu (3.5 hours), Tiffany Lin (3.5 hours), I-Han Liao (3.5 hours), Fanxi Xia (3.5 hours), Isabelle Tsui (3.5 hours), and Natalie Tsui (3.5 hours).
