SOAR Afterschool Program - Daily Program Volunteering

At SOAR, we got to play outside for the first bit. The kids got to play whatever they were interested in, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and four square. I played volleyball with a group of kids. Everyone then gathered inside, and they discussed a new Christmas club that kids could join. Each grade then went on their own, and I stayed with 3rd grade. We watched a video that discussed the history of Halloween, and then everyone got to decorate a paper bag.

Today was my last day at SOAR, sadly! On this day, we did a "house activity", where each house group was involved with playing games such as musical chairs, and "head, shoulders, knees, and cup". We also celebrated a couple of members from some house groups who have led their house in points! It was great to see each child involved and their excitement for one another.

This was my second volunteering with SOAR and I had so much fun! I helped in the house spirt club and all of the kids were so sweet!

This week at SOAR, we were in our "clubs" and I was able to help the kids create a figure using materials such as popsicle sticks, paper, and glue. It was a good experience to help the kids understand their own creativity, as well as using their imagination.

This was my third time volunteering at SOAR, and this time, I was with kindergarteners and then fifth graders. For the first part of my time, I just helped the kindergarten teacher with after-school snack time and monitoring students during outside time. I helped some of the younger kiddos spell words for their chalk creations and played tic-tac-toe with them. After outside time and the afternoon show, I went to help the fifth grade while the teacher administered surveys about the students and facility. My time at SOAR is always so enjoyable since the staff makes it such a welcoming environment. As a childcare provider, it has been a great learning experience seeing the teaching styles of others.

The week of October 8th, I went back to Soar on Tuesday and Thursday for the entirety of the program each day. I worked with the First Grade program Leader. The kids have started to learn my name and I really enjoyed spending this time with group 2!
On Tuesday I played soccer with a group of guys during free time outside. One of the little girls loved holding my hand on the way to and from the classroom. In the classroom we played with legos and blocks during discovery lab and use Ipads for reflex (math work). They enjoyed dinner this day, it was mashed potatoes and chicken strips.
On Thursday, I was with the first graders as well. They all have such big personalities and emotions! I enjoyed playing on the swings during outside time. During discovery lab we did a color by numbers, which the first graders enjoyed but did need quite a bit of help with the math on it. Then we read them a book! I was cool to see how interested they were in the book. Dinner was walking tacos and there was some left over so all the workers and I got to get the left overs! This was a simple and fun day!