Learning

I have increased my confidence throughout this project especially when working within a group. Group work isn’t something I really enjoy doing, I much prefer working on my own but I think this time round I have found it more enjoyable, maybe because we all have an interest in teaching.

As a group we planned the workshops together and because of the age group and the theme of space I think the activities were quite easy to plan. Obviously we had to consider what was appropriate for the children and project but once we got to know them better and their abilitys it wasn’t too hard. The children were really enthusiastic about everything they did and that boosted my confidence because it seemed we were getting things right and Vicky was happy with what we were doing. Sometimes for certain children I had to change the workshop slightly or give them more help because of their learning ability’s but all the workshops we have ran so far have seemed to suit the children.  

The first two activities were individual tasks whereas the last one we did was a group task, the children adapted really well and my group were absolutely fine about working in a group. I had to encourage them at the start to talk to each other about their ideas for the collage and what materials they wanted to use but after that they got on with it.

I think we have benefited the school by coming in and bringing our individual knowledge of our specific areas and also a general knowledge of art and design. The children were very excited to work with us and having 1-2 of us to a table of 6-7 children gave them more support in the smaller groups. It would be hard to teach 32 children origami frogs all by yourself. Also they will have a new playground feature that we have created for them.

As it’s the third time I have visited the school I have enjoyed being there more and more. I’ve learnt I can teach a group of children and being able to keep them calm and focused but also at the same time encourage them to be creative and excited about what they are doing.