Submitted by Casey Grzinic on the 2017 winter session program in Barbados sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies…
This was my first week of placements and I did not know what to expect. I have never observed or taught a class, let alone a class of seven and eight-year-old students. Walking into the school on my first day was nerve-wracking, especially because Bajan schools begin each day with prayer. I immediately noticed differences between the primary school and my own elementary school, even though I tried to keep an open mind and not compare the two. After standing back during the morning prayer, the principal asked that my classmates and I come to the front of the room to introduce us to the school. My nerves slowly melted away as the children smiled up at us and excitedly greeted us. Once I was assigned to a class, I became less nervous and more excited. As the week progressed, I grew to love my students more, and they treated me as if I was their teacher. Everyday, I found myself learning more from my students. I noticed the differences between my schooling and theirs as well as the level of discipline used in Barbados and adjusted my frame of reference. This week has greatly added to my knowledge and experience as a Human Services major.
