The Frenzied SLP’s are back and working together to help make you SLP strong. This month we are linking up to talk about the best thing we learned this summer.
Because I often have difficulty following the rules, I’m going to start with the worst thing I learned this summer. Last week we went to a small county fair up by us. There is a ride called the Gravitron. It looks like a UFO-you go inside and stand against the padding. The ride spins so fast that you defy gravity. I saw kids turn themselves upside down on that ride.
We went on the ride and I felt a little sick after, but not too bad. Until two days later when I woke up and couldn’t walk straight. If I moved my head too fast, the room would start spinning around me-like I was back on the ride. I was at work and bent over to put a toy in a basket, the room started spinning and I slowly tipped over until I landed on my head. I kind of wish we had security cameras everywhere-because I guarantee that I looked ridiculous. I’ve already internet diagnosed myself with vertigo-but I’ll find out more at my doctor’s appointment next week. So the worst thing I learned was that I cannot go on any type of spinning ride with my son. Actually maybe that’s the best news I’ve heard all summer.
One of the things that I have been working on is improving my communication skills in regards to management. The best thing I learned was to start with the big picture-or end result and then fill in the details/reasons/next steps for people. Have you ever had a supervisor ask to speak with you? Maybe I just have a guilty conscious, but I always think I’m in trouble. Then during the conversation, I’m wondering what is going to happen and trying to figure out scenarios where I may have made a mistake or upset a coworker or family. I’m not really listening to their message. If I find out right away what the conversation is about, I’m able to focus on the details about what I need to do.
In the past if I was communicating with parents at an evaluation meeting, I would usually review each individual assessment, their child’s performance on subtests and then end the conversation with what my diagnosis and recommendations were. Now I start with my conclusions saying something like, “Based on the results of the assessment, Johnny has a receptive and expressive language disorder. I am going to recommend therapy for one time a week.” Then I talk about strengths and weaknesses, explain standard scores and continue with the conference.
I find this works on spouses and children too. I’m pretty sure my husband and son tune me out about 15 seconds after I start speaking. It’s much better if I start with what I need them to do or understand. It’s also a great technique to teach your students who struggle with sequencing or sharing information with others.
The Frenzied SLPs would love to hear what the best things you learned this summer! You can link to any host blog from your blog or a Facebook note.
So sorry to hear about the vertigo. I am going to try your approach of results first and see how it works!
All Y’all Need
Kelly, I’m sorry about the effects of the ride, but I’m right there with you. As I age, no spinning rides! As for the guilty feeling when asked by an administrator if I can talk, seriously knots in my stomach and clearly no listening to the message. Love your realization and tips!!
Glad I’m not the only one who feels guilty when I have to talk to someone in charge!
NO SPINNING RIDES! I think something happens as we age, because after my mid-twenties I could not go on a spinning ride. After the last one at age 26, I felt like I had a three day hangover.
I agree, NO SPINNING RIDES!!!! I hope you are feeling better soon! I love your idea of how to start out a conversation about evaluation results. I think it helps parents to really focus in on the meat of what is going on when they know what the end result will be (qualify or not). Thanks for a great post!
Same problem here! There is a ride at DisneyWorld-can’t remember the name of it. Something to do with astronaut training. I learned I am NOT astronaut material. Nope. Took several hours to get over the negative effects of the ride. And YES – TOP down processor here as opposed to BOTTOM up. Give me the big picture first. Please.
HEY!!! That’s a great tip!!! I am so stealing this for IEPs ….and husbands and children!! You’re such a smart chick, Kelly!! Keep those brilliant posts coming- I love them all.
I hear you about the rides- not for me too! Thank you for the wonderful post and update- it was great to read. Have a super end of the summer Kelly!
Oh, no about the gravitron! I remember seeing that ride, but I was never brave enough to try it!
I totally get what you’re saying about the communication. Parents don’t want to hear the numbers; they want the dialogue!
I am with you on the spinning rides. We just took our summer school students to the county fair yesterday. I was very happy to be with younger kids who were not tall enough for the Gravitron! There are about 3 rides I can handle without feeling like I will be sick to my stomach! I am going to try your approach of results first. I think this will work well in CSE meetings.
How fun to go to the fair with your students! I bet they had a blast-and glad you didn’t have to go on any spinning rides.