Extra Post: Novermber

Things were again, kinda uneventful this month. There were lots of games this month. The schedule of the month made two classes twice as long as normal, and these classes always end in a particular game that, without fail, incites the kids to start screaming. But I digress.

There was one great thing that happened. I was placed in charge of teaching roundhouse kicks. So I did some actual teaching! Mrs. Sensei (my mentor's wife, secretary, and a black belt) was sadly sick, so I couldn't get any pictures. However, I do remember what happened.

The way the kids learn roundhouse is to place them on a wall for balance. This caused me lots of problems. Sensei was doing sumo wrestling, which is one of the most fun and distracting games in his arsenal. The little kids and the medium kids were distracted by it when we worked the right leg. Anthony was doing self-defense techniques nearby, and it distracted the littles and mediums when we worked left side. It was a pain and I got mad that I couldn't keep them focused. I started to snap at them, to pay attention. It worked...for about 20 seconds. I think this is what I mean when I say respect is important. The younger kids don't respect me, so they don't care about what I say, so they don't learn.

Thankfully the big kids do respect me. The issues with them were mostly feet placement. They did start complaining their legs hurt, which meant they were working, so that was good.

Other than that, I just ran games this month. Nothing else to report. I could talk about all the good things that happened in the older class, but that's not my project.

Like I said I'd get last time, here's a picture of my mentor.

Blog 10: EQ

1. I have reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ

2.a. It meets  the first two criteria but the wording is not very specific
2.b. It fits all three because it is specific, provides research opportunities, and is open for argumentation
2.c. It is not specific and does not allow research opportunities
2.d. Has room for research, but there is a specific answer to it.

3. What is the most significant factor for best teaching karate to children?

Blog 9: Lesson 1 Reflection

1. What are you most proud of in your Lesson 1 Presentation and why?
I am most proud of the content I shared. The main points I wanted to get across about what I experienced I managed to get across.

2a. What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 1 Presentation?
P

2b. Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 1 Component contract.
I believe I spoke clearly. I know I looked at the audience because I didn't have a powerpoint to read off, although I did read my notes a few times. I got the audience to laugh a couple times so they were engaged. I used examples of directing kids in real life for my specific example. I talked about the social and psychological benefits of martial arts I found through research, specifically referencing "A Choice Theory Perspective of Children's Taekwondo." I also talked about experiences in my mentorship and my interviews.

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 1?
My different thoughts were all coherent and I explained myself well.

4. What didn't work?
I wish I had more of a visual aid. I only had a few pictures of me with the kids, which also doubled as my prop. Some extra direction would have also been helpful. I also did not end up mentioning one of the sources I wanted to.