Our approach to teaching the
soldiers is an invitation to them to change and to learn. The soldiers come
looking for a magic answer to a higher score without going through an
intellectual boot camp to hone the skills. That requires that they stay awake,
leave their phone in their pocket, solve math problems on their own, read
passages that are more than four sentences long, and do homework. Some days we
feel like the drill sergeant in boot camp as we try to coax the soldiers to
believe in themselves enough to try, to work for knowledge.
With the Bowmans here to help,
we were able to split the math instruction into two sections. We let them
self-select into a section that focused only on basic math skills or to stay in
the section that would cover all the skills they would encounter on their exam.
We were surprised at the number who opted for the easier instruction. We have
come to love each of these soldiers, believe in them, and try to help them
believe in themselves.
…And in the afternoon I take a
nap and then we go for a little walk to revisit places we have enjoyed and view
the beauty of the change in seasons. This group of soldiers has had little time
or interest in evening tutoring so we have had a little more open time and a
little less stress.
The USO
held a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Korean meat buffet to honor those
who had earned Presidential Awards at any level. The other soldiers we see
often in the evenings when we tutor were honored with us as they received
Bronze or Silver awards. This was our night to be given the Gold and a reminder
that our time at Camp Casey is drawing to a close. It is a joy to serve with
the soldiers so far from family and home.
Well done, Grandma and Grandpa! You guys are doing an awesome job teaching and inviting your students to progress.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good week of service! You are great examples to us
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