My Community Field Experience was at the Surrey School District office (DEC). I worked within the Community School Partnership Program (CSP), this program offered before and after school programs to community schools in Surrey. During my time there I was able to visit some of the sites (elementary and secondary schools) and programs that were being offered. We were also tasked with creating activities and lessons for a new program that was being launched.

My time with CSP was very beneficial. I was able to learn a lot about the different programs that the Surrey School District has to offer. I really appreciated the hands on experiences I’ve encountered with being able to visit some of the sites. I have also really enjoyed working on a book of activities to help the leaders with the CASTLE program. It is great experience to think of lessons outside of the classroom and not necessarily focus on
curriculum but focus on the growth of students and their ability to navigate through their lives.

During my visits I  really enjoyed being able to interact with the kids that are enrolled in the many different programs. I have been able to see the benefit that each of these programs serves and the impact they have on the kids and their families. During my visits I was able to play board games and Lego with the kids in the Attendance Matters program, I was also able to guide kids through using Scratch coding program. I was able to participate in open group discussions with the kids and open up about problems that I have had to deal with. While I was not running the programs I was able to find a role within the classroom that was not intrusive or awkward.

For our group project I was able to utilize my experience as a graphic designer to create a cohesive activity plan template that emphasized the CASTLE program. I also contributed lessons that included some tech influence (stop motion movie, marble roller coaster) as well as take from my courses at UBC (Roles and Responsibilities Charter, defining terms). I feel I was also able to work collectively with my peers in creating activities that were engaging and meaningful for the program.

I feel I brought my tech background into CSP. I was able to introduce some new ideas and strategies that we are now using in ADST (applied design skills and technology). I also brought my experience with elementary aged kids, this helps when dealing with the younger kids which some secondary teachers find hard to do. I am also someone who feels the need to jump in and not sit on the sidelines. I feel that by being that person I was able to get a lot out of my time visiting the programs.

I have learned that there is many options for students and families that are struggling in and out of school. I didn’t realize there was so many efforts in place to catch those individuals that may fall through the cracks or already have a stigma attached to them. I also feel like it reinstates that students are not only dealing with what goes on in the classroom and that they have pre-existing areas that may be influencing their abilities in school.

The school visits have been the biggest highlight for me. As a teacher I enjoy any opportunity to work with kids, that is why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place. I also really enjoyed the resource booklet that my team and I put together. We put in a lot of thought and research to make sure that we were coming up with meaningful and motivating materials.

From this experience I will take away the conversations I had with students and knowing that in that moment I made a difference in their day. I will also take away the idea that there is opportunities to help kids outside of the classroom and I will know where to refer students if I believe they would benefit from any of the programs.

One of my professional goals is to have an inclusive classroom, I feel that my time here has allowed me to see some different strategies and ways of keeping on top of students that may have some out of school issues. I hope to bring what I have learned from the many leaders and facilitators and incorporate them in my own classroom.