Flat Stanley Letters- West End Elementary Third Graders

Working with the third graders that came to Clemson University from West End Elementary was an incredible opportunity. It allowed me to practice becoming a teacher by explaining to these children how to write letters, checking for comprehension, and making the lesson exciting and relatable. 

These children were truly excited to be working with Flat Stanley. It was interesting because in the group that I was working with there was a girl who was mute. When asking the children to tell me their names and one place that Flat Stanley went during the play, the children proceeded to tell me that this girl did not talk. Her teacher told me her name. 

However, even though she did not talk, she listened attentively and actively participated in the lesson. However, after the lesson was over and I was talking with the children, she appeared to zone out. When asking her for her pen before the children left, I had to pat her arm several times for her to hear me. This was my first experience working with a child like this, but she succeeded in the lesson when treated like the typical child.

Additionally, I was happily surprised to hear many of the children say they wanted to attend Clemson University when they are older. It is amazing to see enthusiasm for higher education at such a young age. 

Greenville Early College Visit- October 30, 2014

After the first successful Greenville Early College visit from the 6th graders, I was very excited for the arrival of the seventh and eighth graders. I worked mainly with the seventh graders and was very excited to meet my group. The day began with a tour of the campus. Me and another Moore Scholar, Kelsey, were in charge of eleven very eager seventh graders. We showed them around campus and had the kids fill out a quiz as they learned about specific buildings on campus. As we approached the amphitheater we had the kids go on stage and put on a little talent show. We had two girls sing "Lean on Me" and two boys show off their new handshake they had just made up. It was fun to see the kids open up as they showed off their special talents.

After the tour, we had the kids watch a presentation on the academic side of Clemson. They learned all about the different majors offered at Clemson and some students shared what they want to be when they grow up. I was happy to see these kids so energetic and passionate about their futures. The seventh graders also got to participate in a periodic table activity that we created for them. We heard from their teachers that they were learning about the periodic table in science, so we created a scavenger hunt for the kids where the different elements ended up answering fun halloween riddles. The kids enjoyed it immensely and were able to brush up on their periodic table skills!

Each time the students from Greenville Early College visit I am reminded how lucky I am to be a Moore Scholar. I love being able to inspire kids and show them how great college can be. I am thankful for being given an opportunity to work with such passionate and bright students.