For this first 15 minutes of my introduction I just kept thinking “I can’t believe I’m still blabbering on. When am I going to shut up already?!” I’m sure talking in front of a group of 15 semi-confused glossy-eyed kids will get easier.

Once we got to the exercises things felt better and a rhythm was established. They certainly reacted best to the exercise involving images and artwork. Might have to start with that one to get things going next time. It should clear away some of the initial blank stares.

As a newbie teaching in this age group (11-14 year olds) I definitely learned a few things:

First, 11-14 is an enormous range. As we get older we forget how big the difference a year can make when we’re younger in terms of personality and comprehension.

Second, our materials need to be a little clearer next time. We wrote a lot of explanation down, but since the students only received the materials just as we started, they didn’t get to read them. Which meant that our diagrams need to be more clearly labeled so they can quickly move beyond understanding the exercise and right in to completing it.

Third, you have to remember that you can’t save the world. When you’re there walking through the class and offering help and seeing how they’re doing your intuition tells you to want all of the class to be as excited and interested as you. Unfortunately there are those who will get it and be excited and there are those who may not. As a teacher I think you have to do your best for the latter, but cannot be discouraged if you’re simply not reaching them at that moment. But man, the feeling of when the students get excited! I can say with surety that there is something fascinating and inspiring in seeing a student excited about learning and creating. This dichotomy was the most interesting learning experience for me.

Fourth, kids will surprise you. They will think of things you’ve never thought of. As long as you’re willing, you will learn from them just as they learn from you. Like how many kids want to use up not just one, but all nine lives of a cat. Who knew?!

Read all of Scott's reflections here. You can read the student's final stories here.