BLOG 2-PROMPT 1

The school that I am doing the tutoring at is in walking distance to RI Hospital, Women & Infants and Hasbro Children's Hospital. The neighborhood and school area doesn't seem too kid friendly because there are only streets, houses and parking lots directly surrounding the school. I didn't see any sort of playground or outside area for the children. The building is in a complete square so it is easy to find your way around. The hallways are continuously decorated with children's artwork and uplifting quotes. There are three kindergarten classrooms and I do not know yet which one I will be tutoring in (children have not yet been assigned to tutors). The classrooms are organized but seem cluttered. There is always an area rug for "circle time" or "morning meetings". Also, in the classrooms, there is a lot of children's artwork and things that reflect the teaching of phonemics and phonics. The most represented topic that I saw to be displayed was reading. For the small space these classrooms have, they are wisely used. The school seems to have a lot of heart and dedication. They have a system that teaches responsibility, respect and safety and any time the children reflect that, they are rewarded with a feather that they can use at the end of the week at the school store. The teachers are all middle aged and female. The students are mostly African American and Hispanic and are pretty evenly mixed between boy and girl. The students seem well education, quiet and very interested in the tutors. The teachers show a lot of genuine love to the children. I feel the most valued thing in the school is responsibility, respect and safety. Also, they seem to work hard to meet state requirements and give adequate time for the children to sufficiently learn material. They are tested every 6 weeks on each skill of phonemic awareness and unless they have achieved the goals they cannot move onto the next skill. Also, in the classrooms, I feel the most valued aspect is learning. There are not just pictures all around, the entire classrooms are filled with things to learn from on your own. So whether you are doing a center in a group of children or having "morning meetings" with the teacher, no matter where you turn is an emphasis on education, mostly reading.