My latest kids
My latest batch of kids were those I did not help before that I recall. There were 2 of them. As usual, they were a little befuddled on their math. We went into the room where we do these things, which is separate from the classroom, and which often has other groups of children & teaching persons doing similar things. These kids too were sort of quiet, especially the girl. We worked on the problems but perhaps not as efficiently as might be desired because I was handed the material right when I came in and did not preview it, so I was caught sort of cold. This was a problem mainly in one regard: mathematical notation. As the children did the problems I began to realize they were using mathematical symbols in a non-standard way, which may lead to confusion later; but given the difficulties of trying to explain the main points of the lessons, I pretty well had to let that go, especially since I did not become aware of it till they had gotten well underway. I do not know just what the teacher was showing on the board before I got there. I may or may not see these kids the next time. 2 other kids also indicated that they needed (specifically my?) help, but were diverted to another assistant. He later spoke to me saying that the kids do not appreciate the value of an education. I would not know more about the matter, but did observe that one of his pupils was what appeared to be a somewhat older boy than the rest, of probable recent foreign origin. There could be a major cultural disconnect there. I have never worked with him, but this is the same boy who has looked at me interestedly on several occasion; I am not sure just what he is thinking -- whether he regards me as an enemy, a potential parnter in possible future crime (perish the thought! But who knows what pre-teens think?), a friend, or a space alien.