Step by Step Therapy service learning project

Step by Step Therapy :

Step by Step Therapy Tracy Bogart Service Learning Project Summer 2011

Step by Step offers::

Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Step by Step has offered occupational and speech therapy since 2001. They added physical therapy in 2008. Step by Step offers:

Slide 3:

There were several children with different backgrounds. Most of the children were ages 3-6. However, there were a couple of older elementary school children as well. Most of the children had autism. The others had various speech impediments. These children have varying speech, physical and behavioral issues that qualify them as persons with disabilities. The parts of IDEA that support this are that they have specific learning disabilities and will need early intervening services to properly educate them.

Slide 4:

The community need addressed was early intervention for children with special needs. They received speech therapy and positive reinforcement. This will help them with school and other activities. I observed and listened to different strategies most of the first day I volunteered. After that, I participated. My favorite times were with two three year olds with autism. One was a boy who could be very difficult, and one was a little girl. When I saw the little girl do itsy bitsy spider, and the little boy say “hand” for the Mr. Potato Head, I was so proud for them.

Slide 5:

The course I did this service learning for is EEX 4242, Teaching Exceptional Students in Secondary Settings. I did my service learning on June 7, 14, and 16 th . I did 5 hours a day. The three topics I understand better because of this are learning disabilities, autism, and behavior management. I better understand the course content because of the hands on aspect of service learning. This will influence my future studies and work because I have a different perspective of these children.

Slide 6:

I feel that we have a responsibility to society as teachers, and volunteering is a great way to fulfill our responsibilities. Service learning gives us real, hands on experience, and I know that I’ve learned a lot more by doing this. I saw the day to day struggles and also strategies to teach and relate to the students. Teachers play an important role in their students lives. We teach academics, but also influence them in other ways. I plan on teaching high school, and I definitely will start a service learning project or participate if there is one already in place. I think this will help educate my students as well as fulfilling civic responsibilities.

Stephanie Gabriel:

Stephanie was the speech pathologist that I worked with. She used to work with the school system. This was great because she gave me different tips and advice about how to help these children in the classroom. She is great with the children and really cares. (picture from http:// stepbysteptherapy.com/id1.html) Stephanie Gabriel

The curtain is used to conceal the toys while the children are in therapy. Most of these children are between 3-6, so they are easily distracted. Also, the children with autism seem to really get “fixed” on a toy or game. Most of the therapy is with toys or puzzles. As you can see with the curtain removed, the shelves are full of toys and games that are fun and educational for the children.:

The curtain is used to conceal the toys while the children are in therapy. Most of these children are between 3-6, so they are easily distracted. Also, the children with autism seem to really get “fixed” on a toy or game. Most of the therapy is with toys or puzzles. As you can see with the curtain removed, the shelves are full of toys and games that are fun and educational for the children.

This is the physical therapy and occupational therapy room. :

This is the physical therapy and occupational therapy room. They LOVE THIS! This is fun also!

Slide 10:

I’m so glad I had this opportunity to learn and grow. The children and the staff taught me so many things that I will carry with me through my life and my career.