Partner Teaching

During my first week of SOP I successfully cared for the my group’s hierarchy of needs. I was concerned that in the midst of everything new I would let slip the simple things that make everyone’s day more enjoyable. I prioritized water breaks, snacks and lunch, bathroom breaks, and rest. The kids seemed well equipped and healthy the whole week.

Something that was a challenge this week was the timing of being on trail. I had walked the trails numerous times and even timed myself on some of them, but you cannot anticipate the kids wanting to stop and look at every mushroom, or the all 11 of them needing a bathroom break in the one stall compost toilet. Leaving more wiggle room in my schedule will always be necessary.

Next time I hope to finish my community agreement on Monday. Unfortunately, we did not leave enough time and ended up getting halfway through it, leaving an awkward break and we didn’t get to finish it until the middle of Tuesday. I think with such a short program, it is important to establish expectations and community agreements on the first day so that Tuesday and Wednesday can be used to build upon the charter.