Ariana Terebelo Reflection #4

      I recently started babysitting for a family of three kids. The parents and two of the children are American and speak english. However, they recently adopted a little girl from China names Liu. She is four years old and barely speaks a word of english. The first time I babysat them it was very hard to communicate with her, because, since I do not speak a word of Chinese, I had no idea what she was saying. While the mother speaks Chinese and is able to communicate with Liu, the other two children are too young to understand, therefore, I had no way of talking to her or responding to what she was saying to me. At first it was very frustrating and a little annoying, however, I started to feel bad for Liu because when I was talking to the other two kids and interacting with them, she was unable to. 

      I babysat them a few more times, and each time I was put in an awkward position. Instead of returning a fourth time and being provided with the same awkward situation, I decided to make her a book. Even though she does not know English, she knows pictures and symbols. Therefore, I made her a book with pictures of things that may commonly be used in conversation. When she wanted to communicate with me she would point to the pictures and provide hand gestures, I would also do the same. This made it so much easier to communicate with her, and I no longer felt bad about not understanding what she was saying to me. 

      Her mom is home schooling her right now, since she feels as if she will be unable to attend a public school with her lack of English knowledge. Sometimes when I go over and babysit, I help the kids with their homework, and since taking this class, I am able to help with Liu’s as well. I have learned different techniques to approach certain topics, and am able to fully help her with her homework (since it is in basic English). 

      It is really cool being able to help her with her homework, and seeing her finish it correctly, because this is what I want to do as a future teacher. It is really nice being able to have this experience in an informal setting. Therefore, there is no pressure on me.