This week, communication was at a high point – I was able to seek out my mentor and speak to her about what I had observed in the children and the types of projects that I have been considering.  So far, we have agreed upon one: a journal covering the progress and milestones of one child in particular (we have already decided whom the child should be, if her parents agree).  This journal could be kept for the duration of the internship and serve as my final project for second semester as well.  Now, the next step is to ask my school advisor if this is a feasible project.

            This may be only a small instance of teamwork, but it was teamwork nonetheless:  the child that I might be writing about for my project has recently been given a chew-necklace and bracelet as a sensory toy.  This child was being slightly unresponsive during a group activity, so a sort of a silent conversation ensued over the heads of the children between all of the adults sitting behind them.  Finally, one of them decided that the person sitting closest to the child would have to gently prompt her chew on her necklace – the person to whom the task fell to was me, and while it wasn’t much, it was still a demonstration of a group decision and action.

            Time management is going to be getting harder from now on – I’ve been given new responsibilities in the classroom after class is over, organizing and putting away the equipment.  I was worrying about not having enough time to file after writing my reports before, and although I absolutely love being able to help in the classroom, I’m a little worried that I won’t be able to finish everything I hope to on site.  As of now, everything is still under control, but I will talk to my mentor if I become overwhelmed.

            I suppose the above example counts as gracious professionalism as well.  The task of organizing and putting away equipment can be slightly mundane, but just as it was with the files, I am glad to have the opportunity to do it.  If it means that I can help better the lives of the children that I work with, I am willing to do the most mundane tasks so that the specialists can get to their individual appointments with the children on time.

            As for goals, it should be a surprise that my long-term goal hasn’t changed.  As for short-term goals, I would like to ask for approval to use a journal tracking one child as my semester project.