Literacy

Hi!!
So after school today, I helped to with the second grade literacy program. I've been helping out since 2nd Semester Freshman year, and I really enjoy working with the kids!
Here is a picture of me helping out:

I help with the second graders with program called FastForWord Language at Punahou in the Winnie Units. The exercises for the first program include: Ele-bot, Hoop Nut, Moon Ranch, Robo-Dog, Sky Gym, Space Commander, and Whalien Match. You can see descriptions of each activity at the link above.
Not only do these exercises help with reading and spelling, but these help with core skills like language, listening, attentiveness, memory, and sequencing. From my experience, I have found that most of the children are easily distracted and don't have much motive to give their full attention/effort. By sitting with the students, I help them to concentrate and focus.
At the end of the program, the students pick out a book to read. Usually, I would sit with a student and have them read to me (because it challenges them more). After a couple of pages, I would ask questions about the story to see if the student understands what he/she reads--it's a fun experience :D

UPDATE: The students have been given iPads~ So instead of reading at the end, they children get to play interactive reading/spelling/grammar games. As a volunteer, I show them how to work apps and help them through the more challenging exercises.

UPDATE 2: I haven't volunteered at the Discovery Center for Easter! I don't have any pictures, as I forgot to take my camera/phone, but I had a great time! Originally I was supposed to dress up as the Easter bunny and take pictures with the kids, but they had another volunteer do so. I was able to do something even more interesting that pretending to be a bunny: interact with the kids! The ages ranged from toddler to probably 3rd-ish grade (I'm not great at guessing ages, but some of them seemed a little older than the 2nd graders I work with at Punahou). There were different stations for different activities, and one of them included decorating a Easter egg cookie--too bad I didn't volunteer for that station. Instead, I helped them create an Easter chick; they made the wings by tracing out their hands and glued on the beak & feet. There were also some markers to decorate and write messages on their cute chicks for their parents.

Quality Project

It has been a while since I posted!
I have decided that for my Sophomore Quality Project, I will use this blog to document my experiences (kind of like a journal).
First off, the project I will be tackling is on literacy. Why literacy? Well, not because this project is for my English class but because I really enjoy reading! (A rarity for people my age.) I find it unfortunate how many people are not literate but would love to read and yet people who are literate don't all love it--it's taken for granted. So I am hoping to make an impact :D
Since last year, I have been volunteering at Punahou's second grade literacy program. Sometimes I dread having to walk all across campus, but after I help the kids, I know it was worth it. For example, when I went in last week, one of the girls hugged me when she saw me (because we had a break & didn't have literacy for a while)!! It was the cutest experience, and I love it.
I will soon be posting some things I do in the future, and I will hopefully take some pictures soon!