workin' and practicin'

Well, we're halfway through February, and the last 2 weeks have been interesting.  ESUMS middle and high have been really rewarding experiences thus far and an interesting contrast to Amistad High.  At ESUMS High, we have access to an unbelievable gym as well as the help of a gym teacher, allowing us to teach tennis with nets (imagine that!).  Our class of 16 boys and ONE girl is really enthusiastic, engaged, and willing to participate.  I'm wondering if this is because we teach them in the morning (9 AM).  

At the middle school, we also have mostly young men, and a smaller class size (around 13). We have also enlisted the help of some amazing volunteers from the Beta Mu Sigma fraternity at Southern Connecticut State University.  We're lucky enough to have these guys come volunteer once every 2 weeks or so through the spring.  

In general, each school brings with it a different experience.  Amistad had a very systematized classroom management system and schedule; on the flip side, the students were at times tired because we taught them at the very end of their long, demanding day.  ESUMS is a little more free form in both its management system and approach, and the high school is in its first year, meaning that creating the schedule was a little trickier. On the other hand, we teach at both schools in the morning, meaning that the kids are a little more enthusiastic and willing to participate.  

Next week New Haven Public Schools in on vacation, so we look forward to getting back into the classroom Feb. 27th.  Have a great week everybody!

Steph