Happy New Year! Another year has passed and a new one is beginning. Taking time to reflect is an important habit to practice. For anyone working with a child with hearing differences, the things you reflect on can often be focused on what is happening “right now”. Today I want to challenge you to reflect on your daily habits and look beyond the here and now.
Let’s start with these questions
- What is going well?
- What has been difficult?
- What has changed?
- What is different?
- What is the same?
As a PARENT of a child with hearing differences, consider these questions:
- Where do I see my child in 5 years?
- What do I expect them to be doing that will show me they are “on the right track”?
- What is working well this year?
- What is not working well?
- Is there anything I need to consider changing?
- What/Who can help me make those changes?
As a TEACHER working with students with hearing differences, consider these questions:
- What was the best part of the Fall Semester for my classroom?
- Did my students with hearing differences get to participate in all the activities?
- What is working well for my students with hearing differences?
- What progress have my students with hearing loss made so far?
- How do I know they have made progress?
- What do I want my students with hearing differences to know before they leave my class this year?
- Is there anything I need to talk with my administration about that would make things better for my students with hearing differences?
As a PROFESSIONAL working with children with hearing differences, consider these questions:
- What am I doing in therapy that seems to really work?
- Is the parent gaining confidence in using the strategies that we have been practicing in therapy?
- Is the child gaining confidence in communicating in therapy and at home/school?
- How am I supporting outcomes beyond the therapy room?
- What skills have I gained as a therapist that I am using more often now?
- What knowledge have I learned in a training session that I have started putting into practice in therapy session?
- Is there anything I need to do my job more effectively?
Getting into the habit of reflecting on the work you are doing means being intentional. Setting aside time and space to reflect is healthy and promotes growth. Find some time today to reflect. Think about your answers to the questions, talk about your reflections with others, journal your thoughts and ideas, take action on at least ONE idea that come from your time of reflection. You will be amazed at the outcomes. We would love to hear about your reflections! Leave a comment below or contact us directly.
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