by Margaret Rice, PT

Since I posted these last year and certainly did not accomplish them all I though it was worth repeating below for 2013.  As I reflect on 2012 some goals were easier to reach than others – as for myself I was able to accomplish #3, #5, #6 and #7.  I definitely need to work on taking the time to observe, #2.  I frequently rush to get to the “meat and potatoes” of a treatment session rather than slowing down and fine tuning my observation skills (this is a bad habit).  So obviously I am not great about being patient, #4 – I tend to jam pack therapy sessions with too many activities.  I really need to slow down and let children problem solve more rather than rush along to the next activity.  I am getting better at this.
Below are the goals I posted last year – How about setting some basic goals yourself to accomplish in 2013. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Realistic Home/Classroom Programs – I will make every effort to provide parents and teachers with activities that are easy to carry out in the home or classroom.
2. Take the time to observe – I will take the time to just observe. I will document observations in the classroom or home in writing or with photographs. It is very difficult to determine needs if you do not have an idea of baseline issues.
3. Make the children part of the therapy process – I will incorporate the children in each therapy session by allowing them to make choices. I will discuss goal setting with each child.
4. Be patient – I will encourage children to think critically and problem solve independently by allowing them enough time to form a motor response without interfering. Therapy sessions usually only last 30 minutes and we want to jam pack them with activities. Slow down and let the children respond – quality is better than quantity. Let me re-phrase that…independence is better than dependence (regardless of quality at times).
5. Document correctly in a timely manner – I will document therapy sessions immediately following the session so that the documentation is accurate.
6. Set a goal for each therapy session – I will set small, realistic goals for each therapy session.
7. Keep it fun, fun, fun!!!! – I will keep therapy sessions fun. Some children have to attend therapy sessions for years, keep it novel, motivating and fun.
Care to add to the list with your goals for 2013?  I plan on focusing more on #2 and 4 which means I have to be more patient.  Hopefully I do not repeat myself again next year!
 
Featured Author: Margaret Rice, PT owner of Your Therapy Source
Special Thanks to Margaret Rice, PT, and Your Therapy Source for providing an article for our website.
Margaret Rice PT, has authored two books on pediatric group therapy, 25 Instant Sensory Motor Group Activities and Sensory Motor Group Activities from A to Z
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She can also be reached by email at: [email protected].