journal

First Step
Today I talked with Mr.Shelly and finalized my volunteer obligations. We have decided that we will go down to Erdenhiem every Friday to read to the younger kids. I also went on the databases page and found some articles that will benefit me. I am going to read highlight and annotate them for any necessary information on my project topic.

Journal 1
I read to the children today at the elementary school. I was set up with my second grade teacher Mrs. Held and was welcomed with open arms. The kids really looked up to me and saw me as a superstar just because of the jersey I was wearing. After I read to the kids, we talked about my experiences in elementary school and high school and how staying in school and being a positive influence was important. I also spoke a little about the new "No place for hate" program at the school.

Journal 2
Before our game we went down to the elementary school to read to the kids. I knew two of the kids that were in my room because I was their councilor at the little Spartans football camp. Me and two freshman each had a book to read, all of them Halloween theme. I also had Mr. Shelly's daughter in the room so I felt pretty comfortable. I read my book and showed them the pictures, then listened to the freshman read their books. After we were done we answered questions from the students, most of them about the football team. We were asked if we were undefeated, if any of us were quarterback, and if we were scared about the game. We answered the questions gladly then brought the kids into a huddle to "break it down". We "broke it down" on reading, and we left the classroom.

**Jordan 5**
I worked in class to finish my informative research project. Today is friday and I am going with a bunch of other athletes from other sports to Erdenhiem to read to the little kids. There are boy varsity players and girl varsity players from various sports, so the kids will find it easier to connect to us. Before it was just football players reading so the girls and the kids that don't like football felt left out. We will read a few books, and answer any questions the kids have about the high school.

Final Journal
Today, 12/26, athletes from football, field hockey, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse went down to Erdenhiem to read books to the kids. Since it is nearing Christmas, the teachers gave us holiday books to read aloud to the students. My book was fairly long, and pretty tough to read, but all of the kids loved it. After I read my book a girls lacrosse player then read hers, and the girls basketball player followed shortly after. After we were done reading the books to the kids, we all began talking about the holiday season. We talked about religion, and religious freedom, as well as what all of the kids wanted for Christmas, Chanukah, or whatever holiday they celebrated. We brought it in and broke it down on Holidays. The entire process took about two hours, but it was worth it to see the look on the kids faces. To them, we are like professional athletes, and when we come in and do positive activities with them like read, and talk about sports, it influences them to make good decisions later on in life.