Community Service Reflection

Eliza Gruba

I had the privilege of completing my community service hours at Meadowbrook

Elementary School in Mrs. Huntington’s first-grade classroom. My tenure coincided with the

week preceding the December break, affording me the opportunity to actively participate in their

Christmas party and other holiday festivities. Throughout my engagement in Mrs. Huntington’s

classroom, I observed and actively implemented various instructional strategies, protocols, and

conducted educational activities.

During one instance, I had the chance to read aloud the final chapter of the class’s chapter

book while Mrs. Huntington prepared for the subsequent activity. Additionally, I facilitated a

Christmas-themed exercise aimed at enhancing the students' ability to follow two-step

instructions. A noteworthy aspect of my experience was the exposure to the Heggerty phonics

program, an instructional tool previously unfamiliar to me. Witnessing the students' enthusiastic

engagement during phonics lessons, complete with hand movements corresponding to letters and

sounds, left a lasting impression.

Mrs. Huntington generously shared invaluable tips and classroom protocols, some of

which addressed challenges she had encountered in her teaching journey. For instance, to

mitigate disruptions caused by students playing in their desks, she adopted the practice of turning

every desk around, fostering a focused learning environment. Her emphasis on consistency in

classroom management resonated with me, emphasizing the importance of enforcing rules

uniformly to avoid confusion among students.

One notable classroom management strategy employed by Mrs. Huntington was the

establishment of a quiet corner. This designated space allowed students experiencing heightened
emotions or difficulties to retreat and regain composure through reading or engaging with fidget

toys. I observed that this approach effectively facilitated emotional regulation, enabling students

to return to class ready to participate in lessons.

Incorporating brain breaks throughout the day, Mrs. Huntington ensured that students

remained engaged and refreshed. This approach, coupled with the quiet corner, provided a well-

rounded approach to addressing both emotional and physical needs.

Having the opportunity to learn from a seasoned educator with 26 years of experience

was invaluable. Mrs. Huntington’s insights into effective classroom management and

instructional strategies allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from my college classes in a

practical setting. Leading activities under her guidance not only enhanced my classroom

management skills but also afforded me a chance to put my instructional skills into practice.

Volunteering in Mrs. Huntington’s classroom enriched my teacher toolbox with a

multitude of effective strategies and approaches. I am deeply grateful for the enriching

experience and the wealth of knowledge gained during my time in her classroom.