ENVIRONMENT ARTS YOUTH FAMILY AND ARTS , SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
AND WELLNESS COMMUNITY HEALTH
BALTIMORE BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS -
BY ART PEACEFUL WITH A YOUTH HEART SQUASHWISE
MEANS ARTS
Intern Peer SPECIAL EDUCATION Intern
: Mentor Jocelyn : : Liesel Jeremy : Shan
Arauz Cionne Gu Vallecillo Gates
Supervisor Peer Mentor : Leisha
::: Nadia Nawal : Sarah
Koye Winley West Oputa
Howell Rajeh
What Supervisor : Annabelle Bacordio
What Baltimore is Art Baltimore with Youth a Heart SquashWise Arts ?
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What is By Peaceful Means ?
? What is the BCPS Office of Special Education ?
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achievement and postsecondary success . We also offer special education programs and services for young children with Individualized Education Programs ( IEP ).
By Peaceful Means hosts an annual summer peace camp for children ages 4-13 , where our mission is to positively advocate for global understanding of pertinent social justice issues around the world through enlightenment activities . Each week , we focus on a different peace hero that has effectively disrupted systemic injustices through peaceful demonstration . Our daily schedules always begin with fun icebreakers to unite campers and a peace prayer that establishes an environment conducive to social inclusion and affirmation . Throughout peace camp , senior and junior counselors lead classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays dedicated to specialized interests known as “ Studios ,” which equip the campers with relevant skills and approaches for their future endeavors . Additionally , community leaders from artistic disciplines of painting and music have alternating sessions with the campers on Mondays and Wednesdays that cultivate creative expression of their respective identities . Finally , we go on immersive excursions around the community during Field Trip Fridays , which encourage asset-based mindsets that acknowledge the beauty within their community . Given the opportunity to be a senior counselor for the last two years , and the first CIIP intern to lead my own class of campers independently is an accomplishment I will confidently remember , as well as an experience I will cherish forever .
For this summer , my main goal was to establish intimate professional relationships with my coworkers , while also understanding positive approaches for interacting with the children . Last summer , my top goal was to make the campers laugh , at which I felt I exceeded surprisingly well . This summer , I worked with the oldest age group ( 10- 14 years old ) in comparison to the young kids ( 3-7 years old ) last year , so my teaching for peace camp had to be catered to a mature mindset . Although they may be older , this pivotal period in adolescence prompts a lot of questioning of themselves and the world , which can be insightful and challenging as their mentor . This internship experience has made me introspective in my approaches to children . For instance , my class schedule consists of intimate discussions in small groups , an interactive workshop either outside or standing up , then a drawing activity to engage their different interests . Personally , I have felt extreme motivation and a positive synergy that developed during my internship experience , between both staff members and campers alike . Nonetheless , the obstacles presented to me during this peace camp experience have challenged me outside of my comfort zone in teaching style , which upholds my priority of pushing the boundaries of comfort in both the workplace and my personal life .
Exercised creative thinking skills by planning and facilitating insightful age-appropriate lesson plans and educational games for children ages 10-14 years old , which provided a range of healthy habits for managing frustration and anger
Integrated social emotional learning through daily journal writing prompts and incorporation of art activities that strengthened interpersonal connections
Communicated effectively with other senior staff members to establish positive environments and decide potential conflict resolutions
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