Last week on
Thursday I had the pleasure of taking my learners on a trip to the Holocaust
Centre in town. I was really excited but also pretty nervous. This was
basically a test. Had I taught them well? Could they behave on a trip? How
would their behavior reflect on City Mission? I was really proud of have
organized this at no cost to the school and I was in charge so it was nice to
feel trusted and have a big responsibility. I know these learners have never
had an excursion such as this so I was happy to have a chance to make a real
impact in their lives, to do something they would hopefully remember forever!
The learners were
all really excited and I could tell they did not want to mess this up. On the
day of the trip they were the perfect students. Listening eagerly for
instructions and complying with all the school standards they were showing us
all they were ready for this chance! They handed in their "ticket"
which was a timeline activity they needed to complete before being allowed to
come and with enthusiasm they showed me their work asking if it was "good
enough" to go. They really believed that completing the assignment was the
key to going; what they didn't know was that I wasn't going to let anyone miss
out on this opportunity!
When we got there
the learners changed into different students entirely. It was as if they never attended City
Mission. They were wonderful and I could not have been happier. They
participated and it was clear they had actually learned what I taught them. I
was so proud of their ability to answer questions and show what they knew!
Success! When something familiar came up they smiled at me and pointed to the
screen. They were proud too because for once they could contribute instead of
just being talked to. I wished it would be this way all the time! The learners
asked questions and shared what they were thinking. When it was time for the
exhibit tour they were respectful, engaged, and quiet. It was such an amazing feeling
that I couldn't stop smiling. Some even
approached me and told me they were learning so much they never knew. They
thanked me before the day was over, that's one way I knew they appreciated the
trip.
The learners
displayed their enthusiasm throughout the entire day! This was especially clear
when they created presentations on people who lived during the Holocaust. They
acted as detectives and found out about their lives and their stories. They
were excited to create posters and share the stories of the past with everyone.
What made it even better is that they were confident in their work and eager to
participate. I was really pleased by their cooperation and active participation
in this wonderful program.
When I got home I
was so happy and everyone could tell! What made it better was that I got the
following email just hours after the activities had ended and the learners had
gone home:
"Dear Melissa
It was a pleasure having your learners here today. You
have done yourself proud! Both Carol and I were very impressed with them. You
are clearly doing a very good job teaching them. Well done!
Have a good weekend."
The learners certainly surpassed all my expectations of them and they impressed everyone! I'm loving every minute of my time with these students
and watching them learn and grow is so amazing for me! I am becoming more and more appreciative of
this sudden opportunity and responsibility. I feel a bit selfish taking so much
joy from teaching the learners but at the same time I can see how much they are
appreciating this experience too and I'd like to think that my feelings are
mutual. Every minute that goes by is precious so I can't waste time wondering I need to act, teach, and learn before
it's too late. Education needs to be
cherished and valued and by taking my students on this trip and showing them
the power of learning and how fun learning can be I feel like I am helping them realize something necessary
in life and it feels great!
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