I came to Finland on Jan 4th to work here for three weeks before my last semester of uni starts in Malmö. I am currently on my last week and the time has gone really fast. I have worked at many different elementary schools and had various pupils. The first week I worked as a teacher's assistant for a class with children having severe ADHD. It was very rewarding and definitely improved my Finnish writing skills. The second week I was helping out at the after school program at a very well-known International school in Helsinki. I had so much fun and the children were simply amazing. As young as they were (about 7-8), they were all fluent in English and Finnish. As the school was an International school, it meant the children did not have to speak any Finnish. Nevertheless, these little Indian, Chinese and American kids were fluent in both languages and many of them had only lived in Finland no longer than six months. I really had a great time and it didn't feel like work at all. Among the teachers were an Estonian woman, a Spanish guy and a couple of other nationalities, so really as diverse as the children studying there.
This week has been divided for two different schools. One has pupils aged 7-17 with physical and mental disabilities. Today I worked with an autistic boy named Daniel and once again realized how rewarding it is to help children with disabilities.
Just under a week to go now and I'm slowly getting my mindset ready for school. I do miss Malmö, heaps! Just a bit nervous about writing the thesis and all, but I can do it :)
Until next week, nähdään!
PS. My friend is raising money for March for Babies, which will support March of Dimes with the research and help of newborn babies needing intensive care. Thought I could mention it here and add a link for any supporters out there. Any help is needed
http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=5004487&ct=4&w=6366630&u=LilChicken210
Blessings!
