The EIYP office
Monday
-Huddle meeting between myself and youth workers, updating each other on our past week’s progress and any new updates for upcoming weeks.
-Continued editing the survey from last week as I incorporated suggestions/ feedback from the other youth workers.
-Began collecting information on community partners to plan for their year-end picnic.
-Observed the English after school club that was lead by youths and interacted with the students by joining in their games and activities.
Tuesday
-Completed the list of community partners.
-Went to an after school session on creating a simulation of classroom experiences in high school where I helped the youth write the script of the teacher and student roles. Gave them insight on the structure of a classroom and how a teacher might manage his/ her students. Helped them with the acting to make the simulation more realistic.
Wednesday
-Helped a youth worker plan and organize an after school workshop.
-At the after school program, led an icebreaker game for the youth.
-Attended a Capacity Cafe where parents have the opportunity to hear about struggles that youth experience as they are learning to adjust to their new life and school environment in Canada. Helped with setting up the event and supported the youth as they voiced their opinions to the audience.
Thursday
-Completed some minor assignments for youth workers- survey data entry, camp application forms, etc.
-At the after school program, assisted the youth in writing emails to community partners for their year-end picnic. Guided them through the process by reminding them of certain criteria that would be important to include.
Friday
-Created a powerpoint on Volunteering for a workshop next week when I will be filling in for one of the youth workers.
-Sorted out camping applications.
-Created a new lesson plan to be used by a youth worker at the beginning of the year.
-Organized and set-up equipment ready for next week.
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As I got to know the youth more this week (saw some youth a 2nd or even 3rd time throughout the week), I was able to interact with them on a deeper level than the ‘small talks’ I had when I first met them during week 1. I learned that because they knew my position now, they valued my suggestions and feedback for them. I learned that making an effort to encourage them by saying things like “good job”, “excellent work”, “you did fantastic!”, was very uplifting for many. I noticed how the youth workers really emphasized this positive attitude towards the youth. When I tried to provide the youth with this positive attitude, I saw a difference in their confidence (eg., they smiled more, were more willing to talk).