Classrooms are becoming increasingly multicultural and are filled with diverse students, all walking into the classroom with their own individual backgrounds, interests, and skills. I want all of my students to be able to walk into my classroom and feel that they are entering into a safe, nurturing, and accepting environment where their differences are not only accepted but valued. These are some of my experiences that have helped me to look at diversity in a new light.
What I did: During the summer of 2013, I was blessed to be able to go on a mission trip to help lead a vacation bible school-like experience at “Gift of God” orphanage in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, play with the children there, and interact with the people working and volunteering there.
What I learned: I was amazed at the joyful faith that those in Haiti had for the Lord, even though they have so much less than I do. It was such a great opportunity to get not only be a positive impact in their lives, but to also be positively impacted by those I helped also.
What I did: Over the summer of 2013 I got to pair up with my Michelle at His Kids Camp. We ate together, had fun together, and learned about Jesus together.
What I learned: My time with Michelle was a lot of fun, and she did a lot to surprise me along the way. I learned what a special blessing she and all of her other fellow campers are to those who are around them. My reflection on this experience can be found here.
What I did: For the course “teaching Exceptional Students” I was able to experience what teaching in a elementary special education resource room is like. I got to observe, work with, and teach students who had difficulties in reading in third and fourth grade.
What I learned: Students are going to have unique talents and weaknesses. As a teacher I have to acknowledge the differences in learning abilities and levels, so that I am able to meet students where they are. Read my reflection on this experience here.
What I did: Another experience that I have had is working at Club E.D.I.F.Y. at People City Mission in Lincoln. During this experience I got to work with children and adolescents who came from very diverse backgrounds. Here, I got to lead one hour sessions with 3 other students, where we played games, had fun, and learned about Jesus.
What I learned: Students’ home life is incredibly important. Before they can learn, they need to have basic needs cared for first, and this is something that I have to take in account for when I am working with students. Yet no matter what background they come from, they are cherished and loved children of God.
