flex·i·ble ˈfleksəbəl/ flexible
Definitions: Capable of bending easily without breaking, able to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances or conditions, ready and able to change so as to adapt to different circumstances.
Synonyms: pliable, elastic, stretchy, resilient, bendy, adaptable, adjustable, variable, versatile, free, accommodating, cooperative, tolerant and easygoing.
The best advice I received before graduating with my
Master's Degree was from my Fluency Disorders Professor Jean Jackson.
She said something like this, "Rachel, You have got to be more
flexible!"
I swear...I am TOTALLY FLEXIBLE...sometimes.
I know I have written about this topic before, sorry you get to read about it again! The reason I bring it up again is because being flexible is a huge part of this career and just a big part of life in general. Personally I struggle with "rolling with the punches" from time to time...I think everyone does!
There is something about having that perfect lesson planned (schedule, assessment, IEP etc.) that just screams, "Right now is the perfect time for something to go wrong". In one of my very first observations as a CF, I planned a great lesson with stamp pads, stamps and a printable with their sound to drill and stamp as a reward. One student immediately put the stamp with ink in his mouth. Yay! Now I have a student with a mouth full of blue ink!!!!! Luckily it was non-toxic...it all worked out!
Another example, perfect group lesson planned, two out out of the three students were absent. I had to do my observation while playing "Go-Fish" with my supervisor and the student. At first I just couldn't believe how much time I had spent planning to have it get messed up. However, we ended up having fun and the student got a great full individual session.
Or the days when parents show up a day early for IEPs, something didn't get put in the right mailbox, a whole class is on a field trip, the one student you need to assess is absent, the phone rings in the middle of a session, and so on....
I am writing about this today because it was my last planning day before the first day of school and my puppy had to be taken to the vet. I had to take a half day at work and rush her over to get checked out. First I was upset that my productive day was interrupted, then grateful that I have a job that allows me to take a few personal hours should I need it. Also thankful that my puppy appears to have a diagnosis after a month and should be getting better soon! It takes a while to see the good things that come with being flexible!
I love this quote.. .
So if at first glance you think to yourself you are not flexible and this job is just going to eat you alive because nothing will ever go just "perfect". Remember that......
All the times when we have to be flexible and change up our routine are part of what make this job so fun and exciting! It's never the same and we learn so much by the "curve balls" our job throws our way!
Trying to live in the light this year, but know that when the clouds come.....we must have rain or there would be no rainbows. <3
Disclaimer: images are NOT mine, but were found on pinterest. Click on the image to find out where they came from!
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