"Reflection on My First Week in Pediatric Training"
Baraa Manasra
27- 30 january
I am currently training at Creche Institution for Children in Bethlehem. My first week of training
was a unique and enriching experience.
On the first day, I primarily observed children in different situations, analyzing their behaviors
and interactions. Throughout my observations, I paid close attention to children's behavior and
how emotional deprivation affects them. I noticed that some children showed signs of attachment
difficulties, such as seeking comfort from caregivers or displaying frustration in certain
situations.
Gradually, we started conducting introductory sessions with the children. The purpose of these
sessions was mainly ice-breaking, allowing us to get to know the children better, build a
collaborative relationship, and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
As the week progressed, we started conducting individual sessions with the children. These
sessions were designed based on specific goals, such as sensory pathways, strengthening hand
muscles, and encouraging active participation. To achieve these goals, I incorporated engaging
activities that allowed the children to interact naturally while working on their skills.
One of the most interesting experiences was taking the children to the sensory room, where we
observed their reactions to different sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, and textures. This
helped us understand their sensory preferences and sensitivities, which is essential for planning
effective interventions. In addition to structured sessions, we also engaged in free play based on
the DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) model. This approach
allowed children to express themselves freely while we observed their social interactions,
emotional responses, and communication skills. It was fascinating to see how each child
interacted differently, and it helped me better understand their unique needs.
During my first session, I felt a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and curiosity—since
this was my first hands-on experience in the pediatric field. However, it turned out to be one of
the sessions I enjoyed the most. As the days progressed, I worked with more children, and I
quickly realized how enjoyable and meaningful these sessions could be. Each child reacts
differently—some were shy at first, while others were more open and playful. I used simple
games, songs, and storytelling to encourage interaction, and over time, I could see the children
becoming more engaged. This made me feel more confident and excited for the rest of my
training.
The training environment at the institution is welcoming and supportive, which has made my
experience even more enjoyable. What I love most about this training is that we interact with
children of all age groups, not just those assigned to us for therapy sessions. We visit newborns
in the baby room (ages one to two months), interact with children in the isolation section, and
engage with those in classrooms, where teachers provide structured learning. The classrooms are
divided into four groups based on age and abilities, creating a diverse and enriching learning
environment.
One particular experience left a deep impact on me, a mix of sadness and helplessness. While I
was in the baby room, I fed a one-month-old infant. After finishing her milk, I gently placed her
back in her crib. She immediately started crying. I stood beside her, softly singing while
rhythmically patting her to soothe her. She calmed down. However, the moment I stepped away,
she began crying again. This broke my heart. This moment stayed with me for a long time. It
made me think about how much babies need comfort and warmth, and how sad it is that some of
them don’t have the constant care of a mother.
On the other hand , there were many beautiful moments. Some children would run up to me and
hug me as soon as they saw me. These small moments made me feel happy and connected to
them.
Through my experiences and learning about different cases and success stories, I have come to
believe that with proper intervention, a safe and structured plan, and dedicated efforts, children
can achieve remarkable progress. Trust transforms into growth, love turns into strength, and
communication leads to achievement. We are on a journey of development and success, and I am
eager to continue learning and making a difference.
Next week, I hope to build stronger connections with the children, especially those who are more
reserved. I also want to improve my ability to observe and understand their reactions during
sensory activities. Additionally, I aim to enhance my communication with both the children and
the team, learning from their experiences. Lastly, I want to take more initiative during sessions,
becoming more confident in leading activities and adapting to different situations. I’m excited to
keep learning and growing in this field.
