Claire Clavey

I had my last volunteering time this semester at SOAR and it was honestly the best day Ive had there this semester. At recess I played with Grace and Lavaar and Shalom. Then we had discovery labs where we sat in a circle and played different games all together. Before switching into club time I said goodbye to some of my kids and Jace was pretty adament about me coming back next semester which made my heart melt. It was honestly hard to make myself leave today.

I arrived at SOAR this past Wednesday and found all the kids outside at recess. As usual, they were doing their afternoon show. Deidrick was the “host” that day, and he called on different kids to share who their favorite SOAR program leader was. After the show, everyone lined up and went inside to switch into Discovery Lab time. Today they were decorating a big banner for their fall party that was on Thursday. I sat with Jace and Josephine at one of the tables, drawing hand turkeys with them and watching them design the banner. When our group finished, all of Group 3 signed it together. Next, we headed back into the gym and split off for club time. Minute-to-Win-It Club went into a quiet classroom and played a Jeopardy-style game that was fun but also a little educational. The kids split into two teams and got really into it. After clubs, we walked over to the cafeteria for dinner like always. I held Shalom’s hand on the way there and watched all the kids sprint to get in line. It was just a sweet, simple SOAR afternoon.

I went to SOAR today, and when I arrived, the kids were outside playing the afternoon show. After a little while, it was time to line up and head inside. Jace came over to hold my hand, noticed my new nail color, and made me show it off to everyone. When we got into the gym, it was time for Discovery Lab. We played a game that helped the kids learn each other’s names and practice some public speaking. They took turns rolling a ball to someone, saying that person’s name, and then asking them a question. After the game, the kids got to play dodgeball for the last 15 minutes of Discovery Lab, though a few chose to color instead, Cassandra had a bunch of markers and paper for them. When it was time to line up for clubs, Jace came and gave me a picture of a cross he drew for me to keep. During “Minute to Win It” club, we decided to go outside instead of playing games. We taught Shalom how to swing on the swings without being pushed, and then I played tag with Isaac, Shalom, and Deidrick. After a while of running around and laughing, we all headed inside for dinner.

I arrived at SOAR last Wednesday to find all the kids outside enjoying the nice weather. They were getting to stay out an hour longer than usual since it had been cold and gloomy lately. As I walked out, I noticed Princess sitting on the wall by herself looking a little down. I crouched next to her and started talking with her. She told me she wasn’t feeling great and just wanted to rest, so we sat and chatted for a while. After a few minutes, Lavaar and another girl came over and climbed into my lap. We decided to play Bubblegum, Bubblegum in a Dish together. After the first round, a few more kids joined in, and soon we had a little group laughing and playing. When it was time to line up to go inside, Jace started crying and came over to me. He held my hand and leaned against me until he calmed down enough to explain what was wrong. Once we got to the gym, it was time for club activities. I joined Ms. Lyla for Minute to Win It club. We brought out the game where you have to shake ping pong balls out of a container strapped around your waist. The kids split into two teams and took turns facing off, cheering each other on. After we announced the winner, we let them play freely with the games for the rest of the time before dinner. I sat with Shalom and Deidrick, and we played with dice until it was time to line up. Before heading to dinner, we made sure everyone got a little germ-x for their hands.

I arrived at SOAR on Wednesday, the 29th, and signed in. Since it was rainy and no one was outside, I found JoJo in the hallway, which worked out perfectly. Instead of my usual second-grade class, he placed me with the third graders. When I walked into their classroom, it was complete chaos. The kids had just finished making paper fortune tellers and were running all over the room being silly. The program leader, Sam, had to raise her voice a few times to calm everyone down and get them to clean up. Once the room was back in order, it was time for Discovery Labs. We went around the room, calling on each child one by one. They had to introduce themselves, share their grade level, and answer a few follow-up questions. After each introduction, the rest of the group would respond with a cheerful “Hi, [name]!” It was a fun and interactive way to help them practice life skills like public speaking and professional introductions. After that, we moved to the gym to switch into club time. As usual, I went with the Minute to Win It club in the cafeteria. We started to set up for cup stacking and ping pong ball games, but the kids were restless and struggling to focus. My leader looked overwhelmed; it was probably the most chaotic I’ve seen them, and I think being stuck inside all week definitely played a part. Ms. Lyla decided to pivot and brought out the magnetic tiles instead. The kids were instantly calmer. I built a castle with Shalom and helped Damon pick out pieces for what he was working on. After a while, we cleaned up and called the kids one by one to line up for dinner. Once everyone was settled, I stood by Ms. Lyla on the stage and chatted with her while the kids ate. Yesterday, I learned how much the environment can affect kids’ behavior. Being stuck inside made them extra restless, and it reminded me how important it is to stay patient and adaptable when plans don’t go as expected.

I arrived at SOAR on Wednesday, the 22nd, right as everyone was lining up after recess. Some of the kids I’ve really gotten to know ran up to hug me, Lavaar even grabbed my hand and asked me to walk around the playground with him. Afterward, I lined up with the second graders, and we headed into the gym for a bit of playtime before moving to the cafeteria. There, the kids practiced shaking each other’s hands and introducing themselves professionally. A few of them were having a tough time following directions at first and just wanted to pout, but once they realized they might get a checkmark, they started to participate.
When it was time for clubs, I went with my usual group, the Minute to Win It club. We kicked things off with a cup-stacking challenge and then tried a round of flip cup, but the kids just weren’t into it that day. The leaders decided it was best to get some fresh air, so we headed back outside. I spent most of the time pushing Shalom and Isaac on the swings while we watched the cheer club practicing their routines nearby. Eventually, it was time to line back up for dinner, and once the kids headed inside, I wrapped up my day and left. I learned this day that flexibility is so important when working with kids. Sometimes plans don’t go as you expect, and it’s okay to adjust and meet them where they are.

Today, when I arrived at the Bayyari location to volunteer with Soar, the kids were all outside at recess, just like last week. I walked out to find my class, and before long, it was time to line up and head inside for workshops. We went to the library with just our group, where Ms. Lyla handed out pencils and paper. Each child paired up to draw a portrait of their partner. A few of the boys got overly excited and started teasing one another about their drawings, which caused some hurt feelings. The teachers stepped in and helped them talk it out, reminding them about kindness and respect. It was a good opportunity to see how conflicts can be used as teachable moments. Afterward, the kids played Heads Up, Seven Up until it was time to switch into clubs. I joined the Minute to Win It club again, and it was sweet to see that some of the kids remembered me; they even wanted to hold my hand as we walked down the hall. Before starting the activities, we gave each child a Jolly Rancher and promised another one at the end if they participated and behaved well. They split into teams and played several different games, getting very competitive and cheering each other on. When we finished the challenges, we played Four Corners before announcing the winning team, who got to choose their candy first. Everyone received a treat before lining up for dinner in the cafeteria. Today, I learned how important it is to balance fun with structure. Even simple activities can turn into valuable lessons about teamwork, communication, and emotional regulation when handled thoughtfully.

On Wednesday, the 1st of October, it was my third week volunteering at SOAR Bayaari! I stayed for an hour and a half this week. When I arrived, it was recess time, so everyone was playing outside. Instead of being with the kindergarteners, I was with the second graders this week. Their teacher, Ms Lyla, is actually a kappa with me, which was fun getting to be with her for the day. They played red light green light outside and took turns coming up to me, asking my name and making small talk before running off again. Next, we went into the gym with the third graders and went on separate sides with just our classes, and had show and tell time. After show and tell, the kids practiced doing a professional handshake with each other and introducing themselves. Lastly, we switched to club time, and I was with the Minute to Win It group. We went into the cafeteria and made two teams, and played multiple different little games. It was really fun getting to see which kids got super competitive and which ones honestly were just happy to be there. Right as it was my time to leave, they were all getting ready to get in line for dinner.

On Wednesday the 24th, I spent an hour volunteering at the Bayarri location for SOAR for the second time. When I walked into the classroom, the kids were working on a small project to help them get more comfortable with public speaking. It took a while to get through everyone because it was challenging to get the kids to settle down and focus. They all seemed to have a lot of pent-up energy since they hadn’t been able to go outside due to all the rain this week. After the project, it was time for play with magnet tiles. Lucia and Princess wanted my help building a castle, so we sat on the carpet and tried to make it as tall as possible. During playtime, they also listened to music, and I was impressed by how many of the songs they knew and how they all sang along together. My hour passed quickly, but it was really sweet to watch the kids share with each other and collaborate to build different things

Last Wednesday was my first day volunteering at SOAR, and I was placed at the Bayarri location. I wasn’t sure what to expect and felt a little nervous walking in, but once I got there I was welcomed into a classroom with the younger kids and spent an hour hanging out with them. I played with magnetic tiles alongside Lucia and Lavaar, and it was so fun to see the different things they tried to build. I also enjoyed watching how they interacted—sometimes teaming up to create something together and other times asking to trade pieces. After playtime, we circled up and went around the room sharing our names, ages, and favorite foods. It was easy to notice which kids were more outgoing and which were a bit more reserved. I honestly loved the experience even more than I expected. The hour went by so quickly, and I’m already excited to go back this week.