On Sunday from 1:30-5:00, the AYLUS Roslyn branch assisted teachers at the school of the Chinese Cultural Association of Long Island.
After a two-week long winter break, the kids returning to school were in high spirits and full of energy. Being more chatty, energetic, chaotic, and generally harder to watch over, it is our responsibility as TAs to respect their boundaries and maintain a safe classroom environment. It is our job to make the educational journey a fun one for the kids but when they start kicking and hiding under the desks, we have to get them to behave properly. Something we’ve learned is that words and threats like ‘we’ll take away your snack time’ are ineffective ways to get them to behave. The kids we watch over are people just like we are and are just as, if not more, perspective and understanding as we are. Instead of using negative reinforcements or bribes, simply saying ‘please’ or reasoning with them is much more successful.
Due to the fact that most information is lost during their two-week break, we reviewed past lessons and flipped through their homework book, pointing out the ones they missed so they can make up those. While the teacher tested their reading skills individually in the front of the room, we TAs watched over them and stopped conflicts. One of the kids brought a magnet toy to school and would only let a select few touch it, leading to a series of arguments. Why sharing definitely is caring, the toy is the property of the kid and we had to let the others accept the fact that they were not given permission and therefore cannot touch it.
Members who participated include:
Yang Amy Wu (3.5 hours), Tiffany Lin (3.5 hours), Ethan Lin (3.5 hours), Ryan Lin (3.5 hours), Fanxi Xia (3.5 hours), Isabelle Tsui (3.5 hours), and Natalie Tsui (3.5 hours).
Reporter: Yang Amy Wu
