Being a Shadow...

So I decided to follow the Assistant Program Manager at Kid Zone. His name is Jon and he has been working with Kid Zone for the past year and half. I just took notes as I "followed" so I will just type out my notes. :)

2:15pm- We both arrive at the same time and set up the Multi-purpose Room. This is the main area that the children play in. He makes sure that everytime he sets up that there is easy access to exits and that there isnt anything hazardous around. He also makes sure that each center is following the set lesson plans for the day. He tells me that they have to make sure that their are always fun, educational options for the children to choose from. He makes sure that every center is labeled so the kids know what they are going to be doing. This usually takes 45-50 mins.

3:10 pm- The kids are released from class at this time and they all come pouring in. He helps them with their snack. Peeling oranges, open juice boxes.

3:30 pm- Bathroom break. He yells out "Rover!" The kids respond "Rams!", quiet down and look to him for the next direction. He lets them know its time to go to the bathroom if needed. They all line up. He counts how many kids he has. Marks who is going on the roster and walks to the bathroom. He regulates how many kids go in at one time. He tells me its to make sure the kids hurry and dont play in the bathroom.


3:45pm-5:00pm- He goes around to each center and plays with the kids and generally sees what they are up to . He also appears to be the "go to guy" for the kids if they have a problem. Numerous kids come to him when someone is being mean to them or there is a behavior problem. I notice he rarely yells or puts blame on one kid more than another. He always leans or squats down to the children's level. I assume its because he is 6 feet tall and it can be intimidating for a 6-7 yr. old to have someone of his size reprimanding them. Plus, it makes it easier for him to hear them. :)

5:00pm- He lines up the kids to go outside. Once again he counts and marks the names of who is going outside on the roster. He says its to make sure he can account for every child. The children play outside until 5:30-5:45. While out there, he makes sure the children practive safe playground behavior and also plays active games with them. When a parent comes outside to pick up their child, they bring him a "Release" ticket which means thier ID has been verified by another Kid ZOne employee and that they are allowed to pick them up.

5:30-6:00 pm He brings the few remaining children inside and gives them hula hoops to play with while he helps sweep up the floors and throw out the trash. After the last child is picked up, he signs out and leaves...kinda. He stayed and talked to me for a bit about the shadowing I did for the day.

I learned alot from shadowing him. It would seem that everything he did was easy, but when you have to control up to 30 1st and 2nd graders it isnt as easy as you think. They were loud and at times unresponsive. However, it takes a calm, patient, structured person to handle that many kids. I learned several classroom managment skills and that the best thing you can do is roll with the punches and keep your cool. :) In addition to this, I learned that you while you can be friends with the children, the most important part is having their respect. He told me that his main responsibilites during the day is make sure everything runs smoothly, the kids are happy, and most of all having fun.