Things I learned in Africa....
14 years ago
Friday, June 11, 2010
Using our Resources!
Howdy y'all! It's your favorite Native American Texan :) We have just completed our 3rd week of therapy and it's hard to believe we only have 1 more to go. Kaylee, Meghann, and I were with Marja this week for language and Jaime, Rachel, and Lacey were with Caroline for swallowing. They are both great supervisors and have taught us so much in their own ways. Language has been interesting, our favorite quote has been, "In the crate...I have this awesome activity for (fill in the blank)". It's amazing what you can do with duct tape, a couple of books, random "Zambian" household supplies, and a bag full of beanie babies. Ladies, be very proud!! With the help of Marja and using our creative noggins, we have managed to conduct therapy for 3 and possibly 4 weeks for about 60 kiddos on these supplies alone. Yeah, I know right!!! Marja has been impressed and has no doubt that we will be able to be creative using the resources we have once we get back to the states. She has been great and constructive with her feedback as well. After every session, we take time to actually sit down and talk about the sessions. Questions consist of: What can you do to play of the strengths of this child, what can you do better/more, what kind of reinforcements are you going to implement, how are you going to address that child's behavior, what are you going to plan to work on next, what do you think about your usage of time, materials, goals, songs...etc. She MAKES us talk! Haha, it took a while to get used to, but now we are spitting out modifications, ideas, and observations like we have been doing it our whole lives. She has really put it into perspective for us, what we always need to be thinking as clinicians no matter what population we work with. Thanks Marja!
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Marja seems like she has been a big help to you all. Which is great because I know her having you think critically will enhance your clinical skills so much. I hope you guys share some of this info later on. So crazy that all of you have been working with so many kids. I know that has definitely been a challenge to you. What kinds of reinforcements have you been using for the kids?
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome experience and I know your clinician skills have enhanced. I hope all the wisdom that ya'll have learned is shared back in the states and vice versa. Lol! I have learned so much at Kids First and my supervisor is great. What are some of the ways that ya'll are going to address the children's behavior? What are the behaviors that the children are presenting?
ReplyDeleteGlad Marja is doing a good job keeping yall on your toes! Bet you are sad you only have a week left. Are yall heading straight back to the states or are yall going somewhere else or doing something else?
ReplyDeleteIt's so amazing to hear in the past how the kids have improved but even more with all of you. You can tell the difference from when you first started until now. You all have done very amazing things. I'm so proud of you guys! When exactly are you guys returning?!
ReplyDeleteWe get back on the 25th. On Saturday we are going to Livingston to see Victoria Falls during the day, have high tea, and our safari. We use smarties, gold fish, and BUBBLES..."more bubbles?" The kinds of behaviors mostly deal with them purposefully not sitting in their chairs or not doing what the we ask over and over again. It's just like in the states, some are just trying to push every button.
ReplyDeleteThat's so great that y'all are getting such a variety of different experiences from language to swallowing! I bet therapy will seem so easy when you get home! That's awesome that Marja has been such a great teacher and it seems like you guys are learning so much! Keep up the good work! = )
ReplyDeleteSounds like you all are becoming even more competent clinicians. I feel like my internship has given me invaluable feedback, excellent experience, and insight into many different populations of children. I can't wait to talk with all of you about what you learned!
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