This document summarizes the author's experience volunteering in an ESE classroom at Neptune Elementary School. The author was initially unsure of what to expect but was excited for the opportunity. During their time in the classroom, the author helped students with socialization skills by having them complete an "About Me" worksheet and playing games. There were 6 students ages 7-10 from diverse ethnic backgrounds categorized into high and low levels. The author found the experience very rewarding as they were able to help students understand assignments. They learned the importance of patience, accommodating all students, and getting to know students personally.

1. My DaySat Neptune Emmari Olivo eolivo1@knights.ucf.edu April 23,2010 EEX 4070

2. Introduction to the Setting

3. Site/Community Demographics

4. Early Perceptions I was very excited to be going into Mrs. Brennan’s ESE classroom at Neptune Elementary. At first, I did not know what to expect because I have not been in that environment before this. I wanted to make sure everything was done properly and that I had prepared myself for what I was walking into.

5. Engagement Activities Responsible for building the students socialization skills. The students learned how to express themselves through an “About Me” worksheet. Games were a great tool to use for that the students grade levels varied.

6. A Little About Me I am a daughter I am a sister I am a friend I am a country brown-eyed girl I am a dancer I am a teacher I am a leader I am outgoing I am energetic I am thoughtful I am just simply ME

7. Participant Demographics Assisted/ taught 6 students and was there once a week for about 2 hours. Students were in the ages between seven and ten years old. Classroom was diverse with different ethnic groups. Hispanic being the primary one. There were two levels of students: high and low. Categorized as high: ask many questions ,cannot relate to feelings, and refuse to do new work at times. Categorized as low: not able to communicate effectively, need pictures and visuals to follow, and have some difficulty sharing with others.

8. Reflection of My Experience This experience has taught me more about ESE students then I actually thought. They just want to be treated equally as the other students in the school. I really enjoyed helping the students with the worksheets that we assigned to them. Many did not know what to do or write but being a part of helping them understand was very rewarding. I believe that from doing this experience that I will learn to live life one day at a time. Everyday is a brand new day!

9. Academic Learning Having a hands on experience definitely opened my eyes on different strategies I can use in my classroom. Patience is very needed with some students more than others. Therefore activities and lessons I choose have to accommodate the students on all different levels. Not all students are the same and I gain the knowledge that it is good to know the students on a personal level. If the teacher can speak to the student on their level then things will be just fine.