Laurel Hill

Every morning, the 2nd grade class at Room 3 begins with the greeting, "Buenos Dias!"
My class is 2nd grade bilingual class that contains a mix of regular and special-ed children. 9 out of 25 children are special-ed, and their problems include speech impairment, learning disability, and behavior problem. Despite their problems, all 25 children's eyes are glittering with joy and happiness whenever they greet to me.

The class contains two main teachers and one assistant teacher. The class is broken into different groups during math and reading in order to improve students' concentration and learning efficiency. During reading time, I worked with 3 groups with different English levels while in math I consistently worked with three children. It was interesting to see how children with different English level understand the book in different ways. Cristopher, for instance, has very low English level and he glances through pictures to assume what the story is about. Vijerpsis, on the other hand, is one of the brightest children in Room 3 and he is able to read the story in English, then tell me the summary both in Spanish and in English. It was fascinating for me to observe how each of 25 children in one classroom learns differently and how he/she affects the learning process of others.

Another great opportunity that I received in class was to teach math in Spanish. Currently the 2nd graders are learning about three digit numbers. In the first week students learned the three digit numbers that come one before, after, and in between other numbers. In the second week they moved on to the addition of three digit numbers. Working with a group of three children, Brayan, Alexandra, and Shirley, there were many times where I had to use Spanish in order to help them understand the concept. Brayan and Shirley are special-ed; Brayan has learning disability while Shirley has speech impairment, meaning that she cannot speak and read properly. Having two special-ed children in my group, I found my very low Spanish level to be helpful. (Occasionally I listed to teacher's explanation in order to learn some mathematic terms that I could use to children in my group. Not only I was amazed by my capability to explain math to bilingual children but I also realized with my heart that I must continue learning Spanish in order to help more bilingual children out there that contain great potential.

While being "Miss ChaeLin" at room 3, I also interacted with the three teachers, through which I had a chance to learn about hardship and difficulty of being a teacher. Every Tuesday, 2nd grade teachers attend a meeting with representative from Providence School in order to to report what they have taught and to plan for the next week's teaching. Through the meeting I was able to learn the rigorous structure of school as an organization. One of the main teacher, Mrs. Pazmino, informed me that teachers needs to be flexible in order to properly adapt to changes, both in academic and in terms of their position/payment, made from the executives of the school and supervisors sent from Providence School. Along with Mrs. Pazmino's helpful advice I also learned from Mrs. Cruz the importance of great organization skills. Every part of the classroom including all supplies like books, math cubes, and word cards, is perfectly organized and labeled. Therefore there was no case where teachers had to find anything. I was so grateful to learn many values from both main teachers and it was also interesting to see how the two teachers work together and fill in what each other is lacking. The great cooperation among three teachers was what really drove the class in Room 3.

It was a true bliss for me to get to know the stories about each child and also about each teacher. Each student had different personalities but Mrs. Cruz kept telling me about the great love and dedication that parents of these 25 students have. Although things would have been easier for the parents to return to their home country, (most of the parents are not able to read or write, and plus they know very little English) the parents decided to stay for the sake of their children's better education. Coming from different county and having observed hardship of my parents, I could really feel the deep love of the parents with my heart. Learning about their great love also motivated me to try to give all what I have to give at least a small help to children's learning.

Even now when I close my eyes, I can picture the 25 children's beautiful faces, the faces of two dedicated teachers, and beautifully organized classroom that is teeming with love and care. I still think that I was so blessed to have this opportunity and I realized once again that I must continue to learn Spanish and other languages in order to help many other bilingual children in United States who truly deserve great education.

I believe that the service opportunity at Laurel Hill must be continued in the future year. Lincoln has already established positive relationship with Laurel Hill and many students including me were greatly inspired by their interaction with children and teachers. I can promise that it will be an eye opening experience for anyone.

I was very happy being "Miss ChaeLin" for two weeks, in Room 3 at Laurel Hill. I exchanged love and joy with 25 children and three teachers, and this love and joy that I received will stay within my heart forever and they will encourage me to continuously serve for others. I cannot express more how blessed I am for such amazing opportunity.


- ChaeLin Suh