Begining of new semester

Today the Community Service block for the second semester commenced once again. We were notified that  we will be training the same group of children from last semester. We waited for their arrival but nobody showed up. So we decided to take this opportunity to make modifications to our schedule of training with the students. Last semester we spared some time to allow the kids to engage in a activity rather different from swimming. We introduced a 20 minute session of teaching computer basics; such as how to handle a mouse properly, correct seating positioning while working on a computer, hand placement on keyboard for typing prior entering the pool for swimming training. By doing so we thought it will give the children a chance to gain some additional skills apart from just swimming. This however, was only successful to a certain extent. We realized that the children got rather distracted and bored after a few weeks into the new routine. Although a typing software was used to help them learn these fundamental skills, most of them deviated from the instructions given. Almost every child kept using their index finger to peck on the keyboard. Some were not seated properly and were still typing. We soon realized that this was not all that satisfactory. This is one of the goals that we wish to accomplish this semester. We need to ensure that the children remain focused and is given full attention by one of OSC members.

Children learn best when their personal interest in a particular area is present. So we decided to incorporated another additional activity to the program and alter the schedule which we already follow. We decided to incorporate cricket into the service program. So every other Thursday, we would only focus on cricket and computer training leaving swimming training for the next week. We ran a quick survey at the beginning asking the children what sport they wished to play. There were choices such as volleyball and netball, but obviously cricket was a dominating vote over the rest. By expanding the spectrum of activities the service has to offer it will only benefit the children. Playing cricket on the OSC field will give them the freedom of space and access to better environments to do what they enjoy doing most (playing cricket).

To keep the children encouraged to do what they do best, we also skimmed the idea to utilize our CAS budget to purchase cricket bats for the children. This way, we as the OSC community can help the children pursue their desired sport. 

This semester we aim to achieve the following goals as a team

• Ensure that the children are fully engaged and following instructions in the computer lessons
• Support them in the best possible manner to improve and developing their skills in using a computer
• Provide a suitable environment for the children to engage in playing cricket
• Maintain the same level of motivation towards teaching those children in need of extra support developing their swimming skills.
• Give my best effort to purchase cricket equipment for the children with Terunaga's assistance
• Be committed, show perseverance, and dedication towards the program at all times until my leadership is passed on.