Hip Hop- Rocktober

As October is coming to an end the Teen Center's Hip Hop Class is starting to jam up!

We held our first official class with Miss Caitlin; she has great ideas for this class. I am really excited to be a volunteer with this group. We talked about hip hop culture, definitions, interpretations (ex: was Salt-and-Pepa hugely influential or are they just an out-dated old person's group…???) all while eating Oreos! The Oreo's came in as an icebreaker activity about careful listening. Saying hip-hop related words with a cookie in your mouth is embarrassing and difficult. Regardless, all the girls were supportive and participated in listening and guessing the various words of their friends. We had lots of laughs, and cookies.

I think the coolest part was listening to girls express their views on how artists communicate through the various styles. Then we heard the girl's own interpretation of what hip hop means. This helped reveal each person's personality. At the end of the class we all had to write down a song that means a lot to each of us (hip hop or not). I am looking forward to next class as I am sure this is will lead into learning more about each other. If so, this will allow us to meaningfully connect with one another through our own unique expressions - which in my opinion is what the hip hop culture is all about.

“It ain't nothin' but a she thing (We are proud)It ain't nothin' but a she thing (Say it loud)It ain't nothin' but a she thing (On the rise)It ain't nothin' but a she thing (Better recognize)”

Girls Inc. Inspiring the Future!!!

As an intern, I’ve been given the opportunity to teach lessons and the instructor has always been present while doing so. On July 15, 2010, however, I was to teach and instruct the class without the formal instructor. I became the instructor for the morning with my own volunteer. Anxious and nervous, I thoroughly planned the day. After all, the day turned out fine. The girls paid attention and completed tasks. I believe there are a few factors which contributed to this successful independent teaching experience.

First of all, I’ve been able to observe the teaching qualities of the instructor I work alongside. As a result, I’m familiar with teaching and know what’s tolerated and allowed. Another important factor is that I’m at Girls Inc. almost all week. The girls see me consistently and I believe that has made a huge impact in them respecting and taking me seriously. I recommend all the interns and volunteers of Girls Inc. to spend more time at the facility because our presence is valued and it benefits the girls and us when we can put a name and personality to a face. The girls know I have a good relationship with their instructor and that disrespecting me would mean disrespecting her.

Another factor is that I had a lot of support from my co-workers, other volunteers and interns. There were a few situations when I didn’t know exactly what to do or how to answer certain questions, but those around me, helped me out. I really did not expect this, but it was a pleasant surprise. There was great communication between the employees, volunteers and myself. Most importantly, I felt I had a great support team. Having a great support team is a factor I want to be part of my future and professional life. I first experienced it here, at Girls Inc.

On July 7, 2010, the first and second graders were excited to go hiking. They enthusiastically showed me their individual and unique hats and sweaters. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily and would not stop, so Girls Inc. was forced to postpone the hiking field trip. As it turns out, the day was surprisingly fun and I got the chance to see abilities and preferences of the girls.

For the first half of the morning, the girls did physical activity games in the gym. They played about five different games, and I noticed that after each type of game, the girls would take initiative and start their own games. Some girls formed a group and did the exact game that was previously played and others wondered around the gym, spun in circles, or hopped around. These girls are full of energy and it was interesting to see their unique expressions. Some are shy, some like to be in a group, some like to be alone, some are quiet and some are loud, but they all make the best of what’s around them. For example, since we were in an open gym without props, the girls entertained themselves and used their imaginations.

During the second half of the morning, we went into the multipurpose room where the girls were given an option of dancing or playing board games. It was eventually divided into two groups and the girls danced so cute! I haven’t been this amused in a long time. They each had their own styles, filled with attitude and rhythm, but most importantly, they appeared to be having a great time. I saw big smiles and no conflicts.

This whole day was definitely a Kodak moment. It was filled with physical activity, creative expression, and many smiles. Today I got to experience a small fraction of how unique and wonderful each of these young girls really are.

Out for a Hike

On a very hot summer day, the 5th and 6th graders went on a hike… in the Colorado Mountains.

I’m dramatic in stating the Colorado Mountains because the hike was dramatic. It started out fairly easy, as we applied sunscreen, and made our way to the picnic tables to have lunch. The actual journey was yet to come. The trail was up and down and up and down. Then, there were many comments of “It’s hot. When does it loop around? Are we almost there yet? I need the bathroom.” It was so much fun and a great workout, but it was a definitely a challenge, even for me. As the hike was finally coming to an end (which was up the mountain), we were all dragging our feet but encouraging each other to keep going. I saw teamwork and loyalty among the girls because they didn’t leave anyone walking alone.

This is the last week of sessions for the school year - on to summer - FINALLY! However, I am going to miss the middle school girls a lot. I have found myself not only immersed in all the 2010 Teen-lingo but also adapting to it!!!

I have never heard so many OMGs in my life: "OMG, Miss, (that's me) what are we going to do today?", "OMG, there's a cute boy outside!", " OMG where is my phone?"

I have heard this saying so many times this past school year that now my husband and I are both spilling out the phrase at HOME: "OMG, Miss, what is for dinner?", "OMG, the water bill is here!"All of this reminds me of the little ditties we use to say or write in notes when I was in middle school (no texting in the 80s-90's), BFF, LYLAS, ttyl, LongerLetterLater, SorrySoShort! Cya, -kk, xoxoxoxox.

For all the important topics and conversations our classes have had about sexuality, racism, sexism, banking, free trade, volunteering, homelessness, and teamwork, I have had just as many laughs and current education of hip-lingo, cool songs, the hottest singers and fashion - it is keeping me connected to the girls and feeling young.

Thank you, Girls, for a wonderfully valuable year!

OMG, have a Kick-butt summer-K.

Spring comes Marching in.....

In typical Colorado fashion this time of year we toggle between snow mounds and the calling of sun-rays ...and this keeps teaching interesting at the Teen Center!

The 'Girls in Finance' class has been a challenging one. First, this session was short and as you can imagine there are a lot of important issues to cover on this topic. Good thing we are going to extend this class into next session. Secondly, how does one get Middle School ladies interested in Finance topics, at 5pm in the afternoon!? By keep up the momentum and using real-life examples like shopping, and how does one get that cool car, or pay for college!Keeping that momentum going in-between snow-day cancellations and the call of a summer-like afternoon has been tough.

So, Lizzeth and I got creative and did our last class in the park, on one of the sunny days. The lesson included role playing! Each girl had a financial scenario she had to read and present to the class. Each scenario included a different way to obtain financing for a desired product/service. Each had its own interest rate range, length of repayment and other terms. We identified the different risks and benefits between between each option like: pay-day loans, school loans, credit cards, and home/auto loans. I saw the girls' jaws dropping when they realized the differences in interest rates between the pay-day loan and a Federal school loan. I knew the basics were clicking even if there were minor distractions like fresh spring wind, sunshine, and of course boys in the park as well ("Oh no! Is there grass on my pants!").

These basic FINANCIAL understandings will follow them to their next lessons on the subject, and they'll definitely have something to add to the discussion. It will also resonate the first time each utilizes one of the many financing systems that exist!

Do you remember the first time you began to understand interest rates and financing, etc? Do you even understand them now?!?

Well, HERE'S TO today's sunshine and low interest rates! Who knows how long they'll last!?

This month has been OUT of Control!

Out of Control - FAST - Too little days in February, this session has left Girl's Group unable to complete our dance routine. So we are crafting another time to meet up and get it done. What dedication these girls have!

Out of Control - Fun - The 'How to be Assertive' skits had everyone busting-up laughing, and getting good practice in avoiding pressure lines and other unsafe situations.

Out of Control - Frustrating - Winter madness is kicking in with many of the girls - we need the spring! Class was more difficult to keep on track this month, but that ensures we volunteers and teachers continue to think more creatively about how to get the girls to focus and how to motivate them. One of the ways we utilized was to get the girls to TEACH each other by doing group presentations on STD/Is.

Out of Control Fascinating - Learning personal stories and seeing personal growth. One girl shared very personal information about her family during the Health and Sexuality class. Her classmates were interested and willing to hear her story, at a time when jokes can come all too easily, she received genuine support from her peers. Success!Thanks to all the Girls for their participation - it makes the classes very rich!

AND 5 6 7 8 … Health is what we appreciate!

Well, January has been really eventful. I am working with Miss Lizzeth in two classes again this session with the middle school girls, Health & Sexuality, and Girls Group!

The first few classes of Health & Sexuality were pretty intense, the class size is much larger then any I’ve helped out with previously. This presets both challenges and at the same time makes for an extremely interactive class, especially with this topic. Everyone has a different question, or two or three, or FOUR!

In addition to teaching about anatomy and debunking myths about sex, we are trying to show the girls that sexuality also entails ethics, emotions, and expression – it is not only about sex. It IS about knowing truths and learning how to healthily navigate through this topic.

In Girls Group, we are navigating our bodies into DANCE machines! We are now teaching a routine to the girls. Having a specific task for the class to focus on for nearly the entire class keeps the girls focused, and lets out all that after school energy. Since we are all working toward the same goal, of nailing these steps with style, we are strengthening our relationships with each other. I have seen girls who rarely interact helping each other with the steps and laughing along the way. It is so cool to be able to use dance as a way to instill valuable skills and lessons about healthy relationships.

This has been a great month, on to February!