Learning:
- This semester I've learned more about what it means to be a professional who works with children and their families. There are lots of varying homes and families we will come in contact with. We have to try not to judge them or let any judging get in the way of helping that family be successful and happy. I've also gotten to review the laws that deal with Special Education and rights for those with disabilities. I've also thought a lot about what makes a disability a disability. There are labels that come with everything. And which labels are we choosing to represent certain groups? And what makes a label inappropriate or appropriate? I've learned this semester that working in the field of education is more than just working and helping children, but it is about helping their families, too. Families are the closest unit to the child and by helping families we are helping the children.
Quote:
Learning:
- This last week I had my final home visit. Sister Swenson was there to observe me, which was slightly intimidating. But, the truck tubes I made for Cole are awesome!! He loved playing with them. He made noises into the tubes and was mimicking the noises we made. We also looked at each other from opposite ends of the tube. He rolled balls and trucks through the tubes and saw them come out the other end. There is a red, yellow, blue, and green tube. On each tube are his name, numbers, and cutouts of cars and trains. I'm so proud of them! I should have planned to review the future development and resource plan with mom in a different way. I was thinking I could go over every single thing. But with Cole playing with the tubes, it was awkward to try to go over each page and to play with him, as well. And it was a challenge to transition back and forth, too. So, I eventually just stopped and played with Cole and the tubes. I also emailed the mom a copy of both plans. I hope she likes them! I suggested things to purchase and also ways to implement activities in the home that promote Cole's development. It's been a fun semester getting to know Cole and his mom and learning what makes Cole smile.
Quote:
Learning:
- Last week, I learned more about the Future Development Plan and the Future Resource Plan that I will be working on for Cole and his family. His mother doesn't have any concerns or specific areas of interest so I will be basing my plans off of Cole's current development and what his expected development will be in the coming months. So, I will base the plans and suggestions I give on his current levels of performance and what the next step of development will be. We had a good home visit. I brought some tubes and a container for Cole to play with and explore. He spent a decent amount of time putting toys in or through the tubes and then dumping them out.
Quote:
- I took notes but didn't write any quotes down. :(
Learning:
- I learned from our guest speaker last week. I forgot her name, but she is a Developmental Specialist. I really enjoyed learning from her what her job is like and everything it consists of. She said that she goes on home visits and does a lot of paperwork. She works with families that are low income and families that are high income. She goes into homes and does evaluations on children ages 0-3 and then provides services and a plan for that child and family. She said she likes that once she comes home from work, she is done with work. She also likes that every day is a bit different. She schedules her own visits and in between those times she does paperwork. It sounds like a great job!!
Quote:
- I didn't write any quotes down. :(
HWD:
- http://www.babycenter.com/0_tips-from-breastfeeding-veterans_8478.bc
- The website above provides a list of tips from moms who are breastfeeding or have breastfed their children. The tips are super awesome and it is a quick, simple read!
Learning:
- I was evaluated by Celeste during my home visit. I learned that I need to involve the mother more and explain to her throughout the session how what we are doing is helping Cole's development. I also learned that the family can get me some materials (PVC pipe) for the activity I am going to make and send home for Cole!
Quote:
Learning:
- This last week I learned that probably the most important thing we should do as professionals in the field of education and child development is appreciate and respect the families and children we serve. One Family Project presentation impressed me as the individuals in the group expressed their feelings and connection to this family (who isn't real) but who impacted their lives. We should try to sympathize with our families and where possible, empathize.
Quote:
HWD:
- The video below is about different positions for breastfeeding. This series of videos is awesome.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9kKp3YnNYY&index=3&list=PLlH0Gqjj4t-odOCHsAss_igjDLuWSw0te
Learning:
- This last week, I spent my visit playing more with Cole. After learning from Sister Swenson that we need to relax and have fun with our babies and families, I decided to follow Cole's lead more and focus on enjoying the visit.
- I followed Cole's lead where he wanted to play. This means that I didn't do the exact activities that I had planned. But, I think this was the best visit we have had so far! I can tell when Cole gets bored or tired of an activity. I then present him with another option or I follow him wherever he goes.
Quote:
- We didn't have class, so I don't have a quote. But I did learn from Cole's mom that a BOB stroller is great and I should consider buying one.
