Learning Zone Experience at the East Branch Library Cecilia Villatoro BEEP 4384 Dr Amaro

Goals set for the children attending the Learning Zone: Improve literacy and learning skills. Increase students’ motivation and self-esteem. Improve students’ performance in school. Help students successfully complete their homework.

My Set Goals during this Fieldwork Experience: To provide me with the opportunity to work closely with my target teaching population (ELL in ESL and/or bilingual programs) To begin developing and delivering needs-based, developmentally-appropriate and culturally, linguistically and academically rigorous instruction for the children at the Learning Zone

Side notes of my field work: * I visited the Learning Zone every Wednesday from 6-7pm * The first 3 visits I worked with 3 different children * My focus and the child I was able to gain the most experience and work with throughout this field work was Jonathan…

About Jonathan: He is 7 years old and is in First grade His older brother also attends the Learning Zone program Is an ELL student He does not enjoy reading but loves math!

I feel my experience at the Learning Zone had 3 stages that shaped my learning and field experience…

(happened during visits 1-4) First stage: (happened during visits 1-4) I was getting acquainted and familiar with the program. I realized that I have to be there to support students (in this case Jonathan) and keep teaching them until they start learning it. I was also getting to know the children and building confidence to understand that we as educators can make a difference if we practice and build patience! Restroom Pass! Behavior Chart: During the first couple of visits: Rules were set!

(happened around visits 4-7) Second stage: (happened around visits 4-7) I worked to build trust and self confidence with Jonathan I faced challenges and struggles during this time I was also trying to figure out ways I can help this child improve in his school performance I wanted him to practice reading..even during math!

Third stage: (happened on visits 7-10) I put into place new strategies that I have learned in my classes in the education program There was consistency and structure while working with Jonathan I was glad that I could see progress and results! Visuals Lots of reading material Used manipulatives

Continuation of Stage 3… Used many kinds of manipulatives, hands on activities, and games to motivate him

Reflection: Tutoring at the Learning Zone will definitely help me in the future. I learned so much from this field experience… I learned to take on new challenges and always try new things if I feel they are not working (change is good)! The End…