In Amy Urvatel’s first-grade class at Park Avenue Elementary School, there is a student named Roman Carrillo who is curious, thoughtful, and exhibits leadership qualities.
“He comes to class every day ready and excited about our learning,” Ms. Ulvater said. “He’s excited and ready to go. And he’s the first one to jump when someone’s pencil case spills on the floor or he’s feeling sad because his mom or dad is missing. He embraces them. He’s just so insightful and obviously so deep and thoughtful.”
“I support them when they are grieving,” he said. “And when the children want to see their mom, I help them, and when they get the answer right, I cheer them on.”
Roman, a first-year student, exhibits qualities such as being a collaborator, communicator, and lifelong learner early on in “Alumni Portrait.” Collaborators unite those around them to achieve a common goal. Communicators connect with people, both like and unlike them. Lifelong learners don’t just love learning, they are committed to understanding themselves and their world more deeply over time.
During center time or independent study time, when Mr. Urvater is working with small groups of students, Mr. Roman takes it upon himself to explain tasks to his friends if they forget what they are supposed to do. is. He takes on tasks in the classroom, such as preparing materials during math time, and always strives to do the right thing, she said. All these examples show that Roman is a good communicator and collaborator.
He sets an example for others on how to behave in class to continue learning.
“I keep my class learning bubble safe,” Roman said. A learning bubble is an imaginary bubble that surrounds students while learning, and requires students to work as a team to eliminate distractions, focus on the task, and respect the learning environment. “If someone gets too close, the bubble bursts,” he explained.
She also sees Roman as being in the early stages of becoming a lifelong learner because of his ability to make connections even between lessons held weeks apart.
“He’s always making smart connections by himself,” she says.
Roman likes math and the classroom activities at the ELA center. There, students can collaborate with friends to accomplish common tasks, play games, and complete puzzles.
“Roman often chooses activities in which he collaborates with a partner, and I think that’s because he is a leader and likes to help others,” Urbatel said.
Roman’s favorite subject is mathematics. It’s very natural for him. He has a strong number sense and handles mathematical operations that are often difficult for his grade level.
“I love everything about mathematics,” he said.
“He is a lifelong learner because he is dedicated to making connections,” Ulvater said. “And he comes in with a natural, inherent desire to learn. Roman doesn’t want to give up. He receives feedback and applies it immediately because he inherently has a natural desire to succeed. That’s a unique and special quality that young learners have.”
Roman said he wants to be a police officer when he grows up, and Urbatel said he understands why Roman would choose that career.
“Do you know what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you say you want to be a police officer?” Urvater asked Roman. “I know police officers like to help people, but what do you like?”
“Help people!” Roman said.
“Do you think that’s relevant?” she said.
