Project MARS/AmeriCorps collects “Great Stories” from its members in which they reflect on their experiences mentoring in the classroom and the progress they saw students make before school let out for the summer. This month’s story was written by April DeHart toward the end of the school year.
I have enjoyed working alongside the new first-grade teacher, and I must say I think I have helped her come out of her shell a bit.
We have had behavior issues in our room all year. One specific child who has severe ADHD is having trouble controlling himself during the day. We have worked hard together to figure out what works best for him; however, he is a distraction to the rest of the class. I think this has probably been our biggest challenge this year.
As our year grows closer to the end, I feel conflicted. I have watched some of our class grow and thrive in so many areas, while this child has been falling behind. It’s hard to manage a classroom.
I will miss these kiddos and the teacher I have been working with this year. I also am ready for a new year and new challenges. I feel as though I have grown so much this year. It really has been great overall!
