This is my blog for my O&M Practicum!
1/10/13
I observed 3 middle school students today , all at the same school. Each was very interesting.
Observation with student A begin outside the vision room at his middle school. The instructor introduced to me to the student. He was very polite, offering his hand to shake and introducing himself. The instructor reviewed the O&M rules they follow-
1. to follow directions in order to be safe
2. concentrate on the directions and following through with the directions
3. if needed, ask for help
His directions were to find the bus ramp from his classroom. He left the room making the correct turns. The instructor reminded him to walk with confidence, keeping his head and to move with a purpose.
Instead of locating the bus ramp the student located the car ramp for car riders. The instructor reminded the student of the directions he was given and then the student was able to locate the bus ramp.
Over the Christmas break handrails were installed in the courtyard in the middle of the school. The courtyard has steps going down into the courtyard as well as a ramp on each side. The instructor reviewed the courtyard area to the student then explained where the rails were added. The instructor asked the student to locate a staircase and then explained that he would be taking a new route to the bus ramp that included using the courtyard where the new rails had been installed. The student had no difficulties locating the courtyard and using the ramp and new rails. The student came up the other side of the courtyard and located the cafeteria then located his destination of the bus ramp.
The instructor reviewed the cardinal directions at the bus stop. The student was able to use his arms/hands to point to each cardinal direction. The student then located the classroom as the end point of his destination.
Observation with student B was slightly different. This was given a talking compass. The instructor discussed the controls and how to use the compass. The instructor also asked the student in what type of job would someone use a compass, and why they might need to use a compass as well as what type of compasses are there. The student was able to name 3 different jobs in which someone would use a compass and why. He also was able to answer different types of compasses such as compasses in cars, and on smart phones.
The instructor reviewed the courtyard and new rails. Then the instructor also asked student B to locate the bus ramp.
The instructor allowed this student time to answer and time to locate destinations due to his condition.
Observation to student C was similar to the previous student. He was given a compass but because he still has some usable vision it was not a talking compass. He was asked the same questions regarding what jobs might people use a compass. He was also instructed to locate the bus ramp and the instructor also reviewed the courtyard and new rails.
The instructor also reviewed the "Food Challenge" with this student which I think is a great way to incorporate the community, writing and O&M all together. The Food Challenge is when the student picks a food item to try at several different locations/restaurants in the community. The student has to research where each location is and devise a route to get there. For example if the student chooses "burgers" then the student decides he wants to try burgers at McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's. The student uses to internet to locate the restaurants closest to the school and then devises a route to get there. The instructor takes the student off campus(with permission from parents and school) to each location (on different days). The student must order and pay independently for his meal. After trying burgers at all 3 locations the student then writes a review in essay form and gives his review on the morning school news. I really loved this idea because it incorporates so many important skills for the student not just O&M skills.
That was the conclusion of my day! I had a great learning experience and hope the remainder of my practicum is just as informative!
TLQ
