This past academic year, I was a character coach in the Winners Walk Tall Program at Oyler Elementary School in Price Hill. Each week, I would use the lessons set up with the program, but would tailor it to my students. While I am working to earn my degree in marketing, I know I will go on to earn a Master’s, as well. I have always wanted to come back to teach a college night course in my area of study, to make it fun and interesting for the students. While I obviously have no teaching experience, I learned through the program that teaching may be a bit more difficult than expected. Not only do you have to plan lessons specific to the class, but you have to be engaging enough that the students aren’t bored, but not too engaging, as then the students are reckless. Finding that balance in the classroom is sometimes difficult. I was able to open my eyes to a new group of students in the Cincinnati Public School system. Growing up, I was privileged enough attended a private Montessori, a private grade school, and a private high school. My friends and I had very similar ideals and beliefs, and we were afforded many great opportunities at school. Going to Oyler opened my eyes to a variety of cultures, and a group of students who needed the school to teach them life lessons. The lessons I taught the kids were the lessons my parents taught me as a toddler. I was able to practice the idea of “selling” these lessons to the students who were highly unmotivated to learn. My eyes were also opened to the interesting world of Cincinnati Public, as I watched teachers who really didn’t seem interested in their students and kids who would just leave the building without adult supervision. From what I witnessed, I could say there is a high need for reform in the school system.
From my experience, the image below really shows the true character of my students during our time together. While we could be serious at times, in general, the students were full of energy and a bit crazy. I learned that I need to set attainable goals for the day in order to keep them on task. While this picture is quite silly, it was taken at the end of one of the classes, after we had completed the lesson. I think that realizing how the kids are motivated to learn and stay focused was the hardest thing for me to do. Once I figured out that I needed to a have a step-by-step task list for the day, my teaching was so much easier and I was able to keep the kids under control until about the last 2 minutes of the time period. I used these last two minutes to take pictures, play games, and do anything I could to keep them from running the halls.
- Winners Walk Tall blog
- http://winnerswalktallcharactercoaching.blogspot.com/
- During my experience with the students, I wanted to keep a blog that I could later share with prospective character coaches for the program. I addressed the highs and lows of my time with the students, as I wanted to keep an honest journal of my experience. I have shared this with my family, friends, and people in the program so they can use it to get new coaches. It’s really important they know how the lessons go, and seeing it from a previous coach’s eyes can help them see the true value of the program.
- It’s Cool to Take Care of Yourself brochure
- http://winnerswalktallcharactercoaching.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-cool-to-take-care-of-yourself.html
- I found that giving the students something tangible each week to bring home with them made them remember the lesson a bit more. I used this to “market” the life lessons the students need to remember. For one of the lessons, I created an advertisement explaining the importance of taking care of their self. They were able to take the ad home with them and place it in their bathroom so they always remembered to be hygienic. I learned that kids love samples and give-a-ways, things I can use as I grow in the marketing world to enhance my brand’s image and sales.
From my experience, the image below really shows the true character of my students during our time together. While we could be serious at times, in general, the students were full of energy and a bit crazy. I learned that I need to set attainable goals for the day in order to keep them on task. While this picture is quite silly, it was taken at the end of one of the classes, after we had completed the lesson. I think that realizing how the kids are motivated to learn and stay focused was the hardest thing for me to do. Once I figured out that I needed to a have a step-by-step task list for the day, my teaching was so much easier and I was able to keep the kids under control until about the last 2 minutes of the time period. I used these last two minutes to take pictures, play games, and do anything I could to keep them from running the halls.
Experience Documents
As a marketing student, I wanted to create a tangible object to pass out to students to help them remember the lessons learned. I created a brochure to advertise the importance of good hygiene and proper body care.
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In order to participate in an experiential learning project, I had to compose my Winners Walk Tall Leadership Proposal.
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After completing my Winners Walk Tall character coaching experience, I reflected upon what I had learned about myself and leadership.
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