Reflection Week 7

Reflection:

This week we discussed lots about relationships with families and working with parents. While I was reading through the different articles and the book this week I found it interesting to see how much the teachers and professionals need to carefully give out the information. They need to do it in a way that the parents understand. I think that the resource that helped me the most this week was the textbook. I learned a lot from reading it and also from my peers as they shared what they learned. Something that really stuck out to me was listening; and more than just listening, but actively listening. We need to do more then just nod our heads and smile as parents are talking to us. As a future educator, I also need to not just think about what I am going to say in response, but fully listen to what these parents and families are telling me.

Good communication is a huge part of working with families. If we don't have good communication with the families and parents then our relationships will remain very stiff and sometimes tense. We discussed home visits and how they are a great experience and learning opportunity to prepare us for the future. As I thought about this I was able to see how having good communication really does make a difference.

Weekly Quote:

"Jobs at home translate into expectations." This quote really stuck out to me this week because it is something we can always work on and encourage our parents to do with students. As children are given some jobs and worked with at home, they will be more willing and accepting to having expectations and following through.

HWD:

This week as I was working on this project, I was doing some research and found this website that talks about sibling issues and how siblings of children who have a disability can have feelings ranging from being bitter and upset to it being a positive and growing experience. Some siblings said that they almost felt invisible because everyone always made a big deal out of the child who has a disability while other siblings felt that they were taught so much from their sibling who had a disability. There are a range of emotions that siblings can feel and it is important for parents to talk with all their children to help them learn and be comfortable with the situation.

Source: http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/siblings/