Amanda Littlejohn 4840

1. I volunteered at the local elementary school in a first grade classroom.
2. I spent time in a first grade classroom helping students with assessments, reading, socializing, spelling, and many other activities. Many of the children I was helping stuggle with interacting with others. We worked on how to talk to others in a way that was positive rather than disruptive. A number of factors influenced the behaviors of the children like; trouble reading, problems at home, learning disabilities, and many other issues that I was unaware of. Throughout my FCS education I have learned how multiple factors influence the quality of lives of individuals and families. The children I worked with were dealing with issues at home and school. All of these factors influenced their learning and behavior.
3. While working at the school I met and interacted with many professionals. The teacher I worked with the most wrote a letter of recommendation for me which helped me earn an internship position with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Through my volunteering I have been asked to come back as often as possible to help in the classroom which I have found to be great experience for me and my future. I will be involved with children for the rest of my life and I have been able to gain knowledge and experience that will help me in the future.
4. Our public school system has an impact on the individuals, children, and families in our community. The faculty and staff are trying to teach our youth social skills while also providing a quality education. The adults at this school truly care about the children and make an effort every day to positively impact their lives.
5. I enjoyed volunteering at the school and will continue to do so as often as I can. I have learned so much from the people that work in the school. I was a little surprised by the number of children that are struggling at home and also struggling at school. I also learned that even the families that appear to have it all together have children that struggle. I grew attached to the children and only wanted the best for all of them. This experience was eye opening for me to see how difficult it is to educate children with all of the other outside influences going on in the children's lives. I learned that even the smallest people can have an influence on everyone around them.