I finally was able to go to PLUS Time three days this week. I spent most of my time helping kids with homework. It seemed that I would start kids on homework that they wouldn't finish before snack time, and then we would return to finish the homework during the fun hour. I actually prefer helping with homework because it gives me a chance to teach and also gives me an opportunity to develop one-on-one relationships with the kids. This week, in particular, the relationships I have strengthened with students have been by helping them with homework. For example, on Tuesday, I finally persuaded a boy named Ali to start on his homework about ten minutes before snack time (he had already wasted about 45 minutes). We continued working on his homework after snack time. Yesterday, even though it was "Fun Friday," Ali asked me if I could help him start on a project that is due in two weeks. I thought it was neat to see the change over the week.
Thursday was Paul Azen's last day at PLUS Time as he will begin student teaching on Monday. He has run PLUS Time for the past three years (I think) and has built many close relationships with the kids. 33 kids attended PLUS Time for his good-bye party. The last hour was spent playing games with Paul and talking with him. It was really neat to see the impact that Paul had on these kids. It was definitely an inspiration to me.
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