Robotics Round Two!

“No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure.” – Emma Goldman

Imagine yourself in a room where you could express your creativity, use your imagination, challenge your brain, test your knowledge and utilize learned skills. For every person this room would be full of different things, but overall would commonly be a positive outlet to be and do what makes you feel most yourself.  I know that in order to achieve any of the above it is important to be surrounded by people you trust, know that mistakes are welcomed not feared and to have tools that allow you to focus on a goal. For the children in Pwr. Hrs., The Youth Foundation is a safe, non-judgmental, and trusted face that understands the wealth in investing in a child.  Like in the world, children in Pwr. Hrs. come from all different backgrounds. Therefore it is important that the educational experiences we provide acknowledge their life experiences, explores their interests and honors their achievements.

In efforts to serve the whole child we never want to forget about having fun. In robotics class the children seem to be in their element building, inventing, and discovering their strengths. After a 4- week break robotics is back in session accompanied with new students. During the next 7 weeks robotics will be devoted to Homestake Peak Elementary School (HPES). Out of all the schools we serve I have spent most of my time at HPES, which has given me time to remember all the children’s names and develop a connection.  So, I was so excited that this would be the school to expand the robotics program.  On the first day of the session the computers were having problems, several kids were absent, and the children I did have…well let’s just say they speak their mind.  Although there may have been a couple things that didn’t go as expected and I thought the children were going to be more of a challenge than anticipated, to my surprise, I have never been more proud and excited. 

From just the first day the children proved that they need a positive outlet to express themselves.  I have learned that building robots allows a child to be a child. They get to build, create and imagine all while meeting independent goals and working as a team. The simplicity of being able to work quietly discovering the power of the combination of the brain and hands has calmed and relaxed the stereotypical class clown and built social confidence in the shy mastermind. My challenge is to create a flexible curriculum so that the education of robotics will fit the specific need of every child. Quite the challenge I know but I have 7 weeks to do so!

Until next time,

 Miss Roboto (Lindsey Fuller, AmeriCorps Volunteer)