Planned and performed some of my own treatments in week two at Disnard and Bluff Elementary. Also I continue to participate in the full routine with the COTAs I’m working with. I have been preparing more treatments…

Preparation has pertained of reading all kids IEP‘s (Individualized Education Plans) past and present goals.

The metaphorical and never ending creative process of relating specific activities to long and short term goals is an exciting, fun, and very much challenging one; the more in depth you want to make it that is. Therefore I’ve discovered the challenge for myself is to learn fresh from the professionals I’m around presently, without carrying the weight of the in depth studies I’ve gained from the classroom; in order to find my own happy medium. I’m sure the push of teaching my very own (supervised) sessions this next week will certainly be the key finding my balance.

This fieldwork experience has been very different for me as far as what I’m used to from my personal work occupation. I know I love working with kids, I wouldn’t replace my volunteer work for the world. Although at this point of my life and career it’s kind of like teaching a dog new tricks!

Sure, I know I am, and always will be a kid magnet. Heck I’ve had kids tell me I’m not a grown up, I’m just a really big kid! ;) And in my head it seems easy enough working with many different children and their individualized goals everyday for forty hours a week, but when actually doing this for the first time, oh wow this is really hard work! The COTA’s and OTR’s that work in the school systems are super heroes and that’s final!

In conclusion of my small summary of the second week’s events, I’d just like to mention or possibly make re-mention of how everyone I’ve been working with so far have been, and continue to be so kind and considerate to my needs as a student even when I struggle; while also trying to get their job done. They’ve literally taken me in as apart of their mission; almost like a natural instinct of their caring and teaching efforts. These kind gestures and genuineness make me strive to be better at what I aim to achieve, even during this exhausting time while still learning a career art form that is so very new (to me).

Written by: Kasey Elizabeth Schmidt, OTA Student River Valley Community College

Posted by: Theresa Chausse

Labels: OTA Student River Valley Community College A Community in Motion Occupational Therapy ADHD Coach New Hampshire Vermont Pediatric School

# posted by Terry Chausse, Practice Manager @ 10:23 PM