The Inner-City ORCHkids

Reciprocity
Valerie Koury
Word Count: 270

“Not good…We heard gun shots…we had to walk the other way to school…A man died that day,” a second grade response to what is good about Baltimore.
The first time I walked into Lockerman-Bundy Elementary, my schema for an inner-city school was lost. Colorful murals filled the walls. Looks can be deceiving; I did not get my hopes up about the types of students that filled the vibrant school I would be working with. I was nervous about being down town, with flashing blue lights and meandering people. Yet, everyone at the school smiled and greeted me as if they did not notice the setting, mitigating my apprehensions.
I worked with students to complete program evaluations for ORCHkids. ORCHkids is an after-school music program that works with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to teach children to play and to care for instruments, while providing a snack and two extra hours of care beyond the normal school day. My first day was going well, and then I met Desha. Her spirit was remarkable and rejuvenating. She and the other staff and students truly enjoy being at the school and engaging with the music. The program consists of dedicated volunteers and teachers, and hardworking students who want to be successful in music. Though the program is contingent upon limited resources and thoughtful donations of supplies, the enthusiasm for music and education is the key to the program’s success.
I never knew working with a group of inner-city students could be so rewarding and refreshing. “Music is a gift…people can use it to express themselves,” a second grader’s answer to her thoughts on music.

Point: It is important to never judge based on stereotypes; there is good and bad everywhere. Never underestimate the power of a small group’s determinism and dedication, for you may miss out on a school of opportunities and enlightenment.

It was the Best of Learning, it was the Worst of Learning

My school’s math and economics requirements made me tremble, but I had teachers that taught me methods of learning and note taking that compensated for my lack of ability and allowed for my success.               

            Those teachers also could easily identify the area to the students, as well. This sets the class room experience apart from others because a student feels like the subject is worth studying and it is more memorable because they have a concrete example they can relate to. Skilled teachers make the lesson comprehendible, but truly knowledgeable teachers engage the student, making the lesson invaluable.

(Word Count: 98)

            Most teachers strive for the success of their students, but some teachers lack basic skills that allow students to attain such. When a class revolves around reading off of power point slides, talking at me, not to me, and not engaging me at all, the chance of truly learning is lost to boredom.

Curriculums are demanding, however, students will not be successful unless they comprehend the basics before advancing. Thus, teachers should not rush into complex materials before ensuring they have covered the basics. Not taking time to adequately teach material and answer questions puts a damper on the learning experience.

(Word Count: 101)