Highlights of the Past Weeks
In my third internship report, I would like to summarize the eventful weeks from mid-March until now and in particular report on my everyday life in the classes and the valuable experiences I was able to gain.
Early Childhood & Advanced Exam Prep
My time in the kindergarten class was characterized by creative and playful learning. For example, we used two dice to learn the German numbers and how to add in the tens. The children were enthusiastic when they threw the dice and counted the corresponding number of eyes. This method was not only educational but also extremely entertaining for the students. In addition, we reinforced the counting and naming of the individual colors with the help of gummy bears, which served as a learning tool before being eaten after successful use!
In the B1 class, which is preparing intensively for its language diploma, the focus was on developing communication skills, writing essays, and designing and presenting projects. I was allowed to take on the challenge of correcting essays and giving the students tips on how to improve their expression. Similarly, in the C1 exam preparation class, the emphasis was on deepening advanced language skills, challenging essays, and complex grammar. Working with advanced students highlighted how important it is to respond individually to the needs and levels of each learner during our one-to-one discussions.
Culinary Discoveries & Teamwork
In the cooking class, we prepared delicious dishes together, developing culinary skills while strengthening our team spirit. It was fascinating to see how the children discovered new ingredients with enthusiasm and curiosity. Interestingly, at the beginning of the course, pupils repeatedly remarked that they did not like specific individual ingredients. However, the final product that they cooked themselves was always eaten by everyone with enthusiasm and without a single complaint! It was also impressive to observe the progress of the five-year-old children, who safely learned how to work with a knife under my careful guidance.
Community Events & West Coast Travels
One of the true highlights of the past few weeks was undoubtedly the Easter party at Old World in Huntington Beach. The children took part in a variety of activities, including games, face painting, and the coveted Easter Egg Hunt. My job was to supervise the can-throwing game. While it was physically exhausting to constantly pick up and reset the cans, it was incredibly fun since the contact with the children and parents was overwhelmingly positive.
Outside of the internship, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend Easter vacation with my parents exploring fascinating places in California and Nevada. I was particularly impressed by the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, which presents the history of the city’s famous signs. Exploring iconic spaces like Joshua Tree National Park and Antelope Canyon gave me a deep appreciation for the breathtaking beauty of the American landscape.
