February 26, 2013. The days seem to pass quickly as that day of my departure to China approaches. Until then I am
focusing on preparing for my trip. Luckily, I have my school adviser, Ms. Amy Quist, to consult. As an art teacher, she has much to offer, especially in
regards to lesson plans and supplies that will be necessary in China. I shall meet with her a few more times before I leave. Her years of expertise as an art teacher and multiple books on how to teach art to children are a great comfort as I delve into an area unknown to me. Supplementing
her advice, I am also researching Art Therapy techniques online and at my local
library.
For the first few days after my arrival at the orphanage, I will be observing
and recording the children's behavior and social skills. I must first assess
their initial conditions in both areas. To do this, I am creating essentially a
check list. It will outline specific actions that shall establish a baseline prior to receiving Art Therapy. This is what I am
working on currently. Ideally, I would love to consult a psychologist or Art
Therapist that could give me certain actions that would indicate behavioral
changes. However, for now, I turn to stacks of books, hoping they can give me insight.
Most importantly, through out all my preparations, I remind myself to keep an open mind and accept change. My guidelines may change once I observe the children in the orphanage. Perhaps I will no longer need to observe how many tantrums the children throw when assessing behavior, but instead observe how long they stay secluded and quiet. Though I will be carefully planning, I know that there is one thing I can never truly prepare for: the impact these children will have on me. As my seventeen days slowly count down turn to sixteen, my excitement grows. Until next time!
~Anjani
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