Preparation + Visit 2
After reflecting upon some of the essential and key areas that led to some of our failures in the first interaction session with the ADHD kids, we had re-crafted a methodology which will suit both groups that were mentioned previously. (just a recap: there is a hyperactive group; and an “introvert” group) Since we had our first encounter with them, we had some concepts and ideas of the characteristics displayed by the ADHD children. We re-looked into the activities that were previously planned and we managed to improvise on some of them while the others were abandoned. We also explored other alternative activities that may arouse the interest of the children, like party games that may require more bodily movements.
However, the visit in July was less fruitful than the previous one as there were not many kids present. Nevertheless, we still carried out the activities that we improvised upon. Though some still do not really interest the kids, it is much better than the previous round whereby most of the activities to a certain extent “bored” the children. As origami kind of worked out pretty alright the previous time, we continued with paper folding again this round that managed to interest the kids for some time before they started becoming “active” again. Personally, for the origami part, I think that the incentive of the final product brings about achievement and accomplishment on their part, hence this was able to put them into focus for some time during the session. From the previous round, we realized that the kids there like colours quite a lot and hence this time round, we brought along colourful “pick-up sticks” for them to play but unfortunately did not manage to engage them. As such, we split them into smaller groups for activities and it worked out quite well as all could now listen to the instructions of the game play etc. The performance for magic tricks was also executed in this way and managed to capture the attention of the children as they were bewildered by the tricks.
I think for this round, we managed to capture a key focus that we may want to further develop upon, which is to engage the children via smaller groupings and therefore some of the activities may have to undergo some changes again. I have learnt and personally experienced the higher efficiency that smaller groups have via this session. Mixing with these kids actually stimulate some of my childhood memories back in primary school whereby school life was so carefree and joyful. In addition, I have also learnt to control my temper since I understand that they are still young and do not understand certain social and life skills; and they are a special bunch of children which required more patience and attention so that learning can be maximized.
In this session, we also implemented our tuition scheme that we planned during the June Holidays for. Understanding that their attention span is not going to last for long, we started off with short sessions of such tuition to actually help them in some areas that they have problems with. We span off the session by helping and guiding them with some difficulties they face while completing their homework; and subsequently dealt with more challenging problems.
On a personal note, I think that it will benefit the children in one way or another since they are able to clarify any doubts that they may have on the learning journey. There is a Chinese saying “不怕慢，只怕站”, meaning being slow is alright but standing on same spot without advancement will cause problems. I think that this is applicable here and also in learning whereby one should not fear that s/he is learning slowly but should fear if s/he is not progressing. I feel honoured to be taking up this role, supervising the work and helping out in everyway that I can.
Jun Xin
However, the visit in July was less fruitful than the previous one as there were not many kids present. Nevertheless, we still carried out the activities that we improvised upon. Though some still do not really interest the kids, it is much better than the previous round whereby most of the activities to a certain extent “bored” the children. As origami kind of worked out pretty alright the previous time, we continued with paper folding again this round that managed to interest the kids for some time before they started becoming “active” again. Personally, for the origami part, I think that the incentive of the final product brings about achievement and accomplishment on their part, hence this was able to put them into focus for some time during the session. From the previous round, we realized that the kids there like colours quite a lot and hence this time round, we brought along colourful “pick-up sticks” for them to play but unfortunately did not manage to engage them. As such, we split them into smaller groups for activities and it worked out quite well as all could now listen to the instructions of the game play etc. The performance for magic tricks was also executed in this way and managed to capture the attention of the children as they were bewildered by the tricks.
I think for this round, we managed to capture a key focus that we may want to further develop upon, which is to engage the children via smaller groupings and therefore some of the activities may have to undergo some changes again. I have learnt and personally experienced the higher efficiency that smaller groups have via this session. Mixing with these kids actually stimulate some of my childhood memories back in primary school whereby school life was so carefree and joyful. In addition, I have also learnt to control my temper since I understand that they are still young and do not understand certain social and life skills; and they are a special bunch of children which required more patience and attention so that learning can be maximized.
In this session, we also implemented our tuition scheme that we planned during the June Holidays for. Understanding that their attention span is not going to last for long, we started off with short sessions of such tuition to actually help them in some areas that they have problems with. We span off the session by helping and guiding them with some difficulties they face while completing their homework; and subsequently dealt with more challenging problems.
On a personal note, I think that it will benefit the children in one way or another since they are able to clarify any doubts that they may have on the learning journey. There is a Chinese saying “不怕慢，只怕站”, meaning being slow is alright but standing on same spot without advancement will cause problems. I think that this is applicable here and also in learning whereby one should not fear that s/he is learning slowly but should fear if s/he is not progressing. I feel honoured to be taking up this role, supervising the work and helping out in everyway that I can.
Jun Xin
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