Task 2b : Journal Writing Experience

Began the journey through the nine different ways of writing a journal and to be perfectly honest it has made me panic somewhat as I didn't appreciate the differing ways, and when I read other peoples blogs and what they have wrote that too throws me into turmoil for many reasons as I wonder how can I write what I think; how will it compare to others; will it be good enough; and I shouldn't read others too much as I don't want to do or write in the same way. 

So here goes .......... I do not warm to the method of Description (a spoken or written account of a person, object, or event) as I felt it was very lacking in emotion and didn't really paint a picture of a true journal entry. It was very abrupt, clinical and required warmth which is what I feel makes it belong. It's not a method I feel comfortable with or would use.

Initial reflection however is a way of building a journal I feel very at home with and would certainly adopt this way as a favourite as it allows you to reflect with recognition made to feelings and how the situation or event has effected you. This process I feel is most suited to myself as I continually like to learn from my everyday experiences and gain knowledge and understanding as to how I can become more effective in doing them. 

To List as a journal also feels lifeless and inappropriate as it doesn't create a profile of the person who is writing more that it is like a 'list of to do's' but in hindsight. 

I create many lists at the beginning of my day and on a daily basis so to do this at the end of the day seems back to front. 

A list entry via my journal app done at the end of the day !!!

A list of 'To do's' done at for the beginning of a day ! 

 

I chose to take on board the format of What if ? on a Saturday as this is one of the busiest days within my week and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to explore this way of writing. As anticipated the day threw up many occasions where I could comment on what if I had of done things differently ? and what did I Love or even hate about what could of happened ?. 

Therefore so as not to go on forever and ever accounting every moment of the day I wrote about a couple of issues that stood out from the crowd ........below is one of these about a child who we have recently been welcomed into class.

"A new little girl has joined us recently who I do know as she is a sister of a child who already attends and has spent some time attending our mini-movers sessions supported by one of her parents. She is currently being assessed on the autistic spectrum and both mum and dad are very keen for her to partake in mainstream activities and so approached me about her starting our Tinies group. We discussed a trial basis for her as whilst I don't want to close the door to her attendance at classes, I also want to be in a position between myself and my assistant teacher to offer the best service we can to the whole class. The first week seemed quite positive, however the last two weeks I feel have been difficult as she can become easily distracted and does wander off away from the group to explore - whether it be to find the box of feathers; locate the drumsticks; climb for the hopscotch jigsaw whatever she wants at that time nothing will stand in her way of getting it. So as is understandable this then becomes a safety issue as many of these items are placed out of reach and she will quite happily climb for them - the knock on effect is if one of us has to rush to her rescue to try to encourage her to re-join the group - this in turn distracts the rest of the children from the current task and engaging any class of 3 year olds can be hard work without an additional element of distraction. All the children do care very much for her but are also very keen to tell us when she isn't doing what the rest of the class are or she won't hold their hand etc etc.

 

I have concerns that we don't understand enough as dance teachers about her condition and how we can support her needs best, what If she was to fall from her mission to climb who would be responsible and how would I explain to all the parents not just hers how this has been allowed to happen ? 

I would love to make her part of the class but feel she needs more 1:1 support to provide full integration into the lesson - this will then allow us to focus our attention on leading the whole class so they all gain from their attendance and have a full and innovative lesson.

On the other hand if there is no one to support her on a regular basis would I have to say we cannot accommodate her ? This would be very sad for both her and us as we would be turning our back on her and not allowing ourselves to be a fully integrated provision.  Its a difficult dilemma that I feel we need to address with her parents to ensure her safety is paramount. "

 

 

Another View - I found extremely hard to write as I was trying to step into the shoes of my daughter as she ventured through her day. This was an important one within her week as she took part in a gymnastics competition, so an opportunity for her to demonstrate her skills and all the nerves and apprehension that comes with a prolific event. As she is only young but trying so desperately to be grown up this made me look at the day from her eyes in varying ways. However no matter how much you know the person you cannot in my opinion write effectively as you would yourself, therefore not a favourite and an exercise I would enjoy repeating.

Graphs, Charts & Diagrams - great for quick analysis purposes but not really ideal for everyday use on a personal level. I consider charts, graphs and such like tools for the workplace to demonstrate analytical information. It would be possible to reflect on this way of writing however it does not demonstrate feeling or personality and that's what a journal/diary brings to mind.


So in conclusion for myself I most definitely prefer the skill of writing with 'Reflection' and also 'What if' as these allow me to put my feelings and questions down on paper and then when reading back can reflect on the process or decision I took or indeed the way I could better deal with the situation if it were to arrive again. I also found journal writing a way of emptying my head as if sending it to the recycling bin, so that each day I place a lid on yesterday and begin the next with a fresh and open mind.