we grow our own food!!!!
DESCRIPTION
service learnng project at the ymcaTRANSCRIPT
Early PerceptionsReflecting back on my days in elementary, I can
recall growing a garden at my afterschool program. I thought it was interesting and fun. Therefore, I chose to revisit my memories with these kids.
Ormond Beach YMCA
Demographics
Students creating markers A group of boys painting markers Pulling and digging up grass
This young girl pulled a big weed He’s getting down and dirty The progress!!!
All About Me!!!My name is Janelle Brooks and I love giving back. I find myself constantly
involved in church or community activities. I mentor teenage girls, tutor
kids, and provide college prep assistance. At my father’s church I have
put together youth services and started a tutoring program. I’ve even
bought a young lady from my church a prom dress. Overall I am unselfish
and love to see young people
succeed!
Engagement ActivitiesI provided art materials for the children to use, bought seeds, mulch and
fertilizer, water the garden and created the labels for the garden. I met Mary Moriarty in a prior class and became friends. Mary works at the
YMCA and I told her I need to do a project and informed me they have a “mainstream” setting afterschool program.
Participant DemographicsThe students ethnic backgrounds were Hispanic, African American, and
Caucasian. All spoke English as their primary language. The students were in grades K-5th. Some participants have ADD/ADHD and on meds, Aspergers, partially deaf, Emotionally disturbed, speech impediments, Learning disabled, and “normal”.
This student is partially deaf and has sight problems Student on the left has Aspergers and
boy next to her is on meds for ADHD
The boy in the jacket is emotionally disturbed
Reflections
I enjoyed this experience. I was able to bond with the students. I
love them so much, I applied to work there as a counselor and
was hired!! I constantly go back to water and check on the
garden. I want to do another project with these kids, but
don’t know what I will do yet. The staff and parents were
super friendly.
Reflections cont.
From this experience I have developed a stronger patience level.
I was a little skeptical about working with elementary kids, but
I would have missed out on their wonderful personalities. I
have learned not to prejudge these kids and give them a
chance to prove to me their capabilities.