It is beautiful here. The weather is typical spring, chilly, sunny, rainy, sunny, etc. The climate reminds me of Michigan - the landscape, which I saw more of today on an afternoon outing, definitely reminds me of Michigan - the daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths have bloomed…tulips are thinking about blooming and the leaves on the trees are about to pop!
The school is great - there are about 7 classrooms and they are divided both by age and ability. They have 3 "levels" for how they classify the child's needs and determine which classroom and program is best for him/her. I am not sure if it is private or public. I do know that there was some sort of inspection going on when I arrived (and until yesterday) - in which I of course became part of the observation/inspection - I think good timing in some ways to have "a specialist" there to provide a training opportunity for their staff. Tomorrow I will spend 1/2 day with the classroom assistants providing them with more activity ideas and "hands on" things they can do to incorporate more activities outside of the classroom in the "relaxation room" - which from the therapist perspective looks as if it would be a great therapy room! But really, looking at activities that will expand the "skill building" from the tabletop activities to more whole body/motor planning type activities. Should be good....good fun that is....
The other thing about the school, which was also the case when I was in St. Petersburg, is that a lot of what OT does in the US, the teachers here do as their normal everyday classroom activities - for example, working with clay, ceramics, etc...making arts and crafts (new OT activities for me!!!) using multi-media, etc. It makes it somewhat difficult to add to that....but I have tried to stress the importance of intrinsic motivation vs. rote skill building - doing a task to do it, over and over again (e.g., stacking blocks).
The family I am staying with has been just great and my free has been filled with relaxing activities, good food, good sight seeing, and good company. I can't upload any photos now, as the internet connection is quite slow (almost as slow as Ethiopia!) - but I will try to do it when I get to Philadelphia. Will try to post again as the week comes closer to an end! Hope everyone is doing well!
Very cool, Joni. I soooo can't wait until next week when you're stuck with me hours upon hours and then you can fill me in on your adventures and I can gaze at your photos! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Laura ! Sounds great.....we will have time that is for sure!
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