Hayley, child care - ML6 Airdrie

I have just finished my first year of college studying accountancy however i have realised this course is not for me. I am now committed to becoming a teacher and am planning on applying to do a teaching course next year. I have looked after several children before throughout the summer holidays. I have also volunteered at my local primary school. I guided the pupils to help raise their numeracy skills by giving them tips on my knowledge. I also assisted them with literacy skills such as reading and writing. This experience helped me gain an understanding of how children are taught. It also created a thirst for knowledge about what teaching involves such as patience and learning how to handle difficult scenarios. Furthermore, this helped me develop my skills that could impact on the child's learning for better. It also enhanced my confidence as I had the opportunity to teach the classes sometimes. As well as boosting my confidence the experience allowed me to advance in my listening and communication skills.
The following year I decided to volunteer at the primary school again to further and broaden my skills. I found it to be highly rewarding to see children improving in their work and be able to pass their various tests. I was given the responsibility of supervising the children during lunch hour. This gave me an insight into maintaining discipline and routine. I participated in a P.E lesson when I had to play rounder’s with the children. I am a team player and encouraged the children to join in. I motivated the children to take part in the activity and listened to children who were sensitive and unwilling to be involved. With my perseverance I proved that I was trustworthy, reliable and strongly encouraged the children to take part. I continued to volunteer here until June 2015 which was three years worth of experience.
Outside of college I am a committed volunteer of a local dog obedience club in which I am part of the committee. I have the responsibility of collecting the weekly membership money and I enrol new members. It is my duty to teach handlers how to control their dogs and give them advice and guidance when needed. I identify owners' concerns and am able to construct and deliver the best actions to suit both owner and dog. This role also requires me to be competent in what I am teaching. I am also a handler in the advanced class and I teach my Doberman obedience. I have attended competitions and tests with my dog and have won several trophies.
I have always had a strong passion for caring for animals. I recently volunteered at a vets surgery where I helped by taking care of pets while the vet analysed them. I also obtained knowledge working in this type of atmosphere and had the ability to interact with clients which tested my confidence and allowed me to boost my listening skills. This was a great opportunity to give me an insight on a successful medical environment.
For three years I walked my neighbours dog on a daily basis as she was unable to, this made me reliable and trustworthy as she depended on me.