Last Wednesday (“A” day) at IPS Newcomer, I was in the same classroom which is Mr. G’s room (room 262 if ya curious). However, he was not there instead a substitute teacher was there. I did not have the opportunity to introduce myself to her since she was busy with other students up until the bell. Also, was not able to remember her name (I suck with names) but she went around to her best ability to take attendance. The activity assigned was for students to read an article on how Facebook ads manipulate users emotional states (positive or negative) and answer questions following it. She read aloud the paragraphs assigned to read and then once she finished that’s where I come in to help.
However, it has been awhile till I’ve had to experience what happened… I find it funny because its just an awkward moment. So, here it is… I had a small group of students at a table and I was translating certain words they did not understand while doing so the sub approached the table. She proceeded to talk very loudly and slowly at me saying, “put your name on the paper,” she then walked away. I was surprised she said that to me but then I realized the environment I was in, in a high school, majority of the students were foreign (Mexican), and to bluntly say it, I am brown (shocker). She assumed I was a student there which is kind of funny because I look older than them also my clothing violated the schools policy (students are only allowed to wear polo shirt and khakis/non-denim pants). Anyways, at the end of that class I explained to her I was a Butler University student and volunteer in the classroom. It was funny to me but I knew she felt embarrassed but I giggled because I am used to it to make her feel better about it.
Anyways, during the english class I explained to the students what the world “manipulate” means as well as, exchanged examples for manipulation. Next class was Math advisory, which is helping students with a mathematical assignment. It was another worksheet on volume, however, it was much bigger numbers and complicated shapes. I showed many students this time on how to separate the shapes and find the volume of each then add the numbers together. In addition, a lot of students are always interested in a new person in the class (aka me), so they always have questions to ask me. This time it was on privileges with cell phones because they can not have cell phones at school. We talked about when you get older how it because a privilege to have a cell phone with you in college and to be respectful while in class to not be on it. Always enjoy conversing with students each time and helping them with school work. Really gives me an insight on what education they had prior to coming to the states here and what they were taught differently there than here.