The End Session section in the SPEED platform enables teachers to document key observations about a child’s progress and engagement during a training session. This provides valuable insights into the child’s development, helping to tailor future sessions to their needs. Below are the detailed components included in the End Session section:
- Eye Contact
Observing eye contact during a session offers a window into the child’s engagement, attention, and social communication skills. Teachers can categorize eye contact into the following levels:
- None:
- The child avoids making any eye contact.
- May indicate discomfort, shyness, or difficulty engaging socially.
- Could also stem from sensory sensitivities or cultural norms.
- Fleeting:
- Brief, occasional eye contact is made but not sustained.
- Suggests partial engagement, with potential uncertainty or discomfort.
- Established:
- Eye contact is maintained for short periods, though inconsistently throughout the session.
- Indicates a willingness to engage visually, albeit with some challenges in consistency.
- Maintained:
- Eye contact is held for most of the interaction.
- Reflects strong engagement, attentiveness, and active participation.
- Behavior of the Child
Behavioral observations help teachers understand the child’s emotional regulation, social interaction, and readiness to participate. These behaviors are categorized as:
- Hyperactive:
- Exhibits constant motion or restlessness.
- May struggle to focus and display impulsive behavior.
- Temper Tantrums:
- Displays emotional outbursts like crying, screaming, or hitting.
- Could be triggered by frustration, unmet needs, or sensory overload.
- Dull:
- Responds or performs tasks slowly.
- Displays a lack of enthusiasm or interest in the session activities.
- Repetitive Behavior:
- Repeats movements, sounds, or words persistently.
- May indicate a need for structure or self-regulation.
- Appropriate Behavior:
- Demonstrates expected and socially acceptable behavior throughout the session.
- Indicates readiness to engage and learn effectively.
- Level of Compliance
Compliance reflects the child’s ability to follow instructions, cooperate with tasks, and adhere to session routines. Levels include:
- Not Compliant:
- Refuses or resists instructions.
- May avoid tasks or disrupt the session.
- Mostly Compliant:
- Follows instructions inconsistently.
- Engages with tasks but may need prompting or reminders.
- Compliant:
- Consistently adheres to instructions.
- Actively participates in tasks with minimal supervision.
- Level of Independence
Independence evaluates how much support the child requires to complete activities. Levels include:
- Not Independent:
- Requires constant guidance and assistance to complete tasks.
- Struggles to initiate or sustain activities independently.
- Needs Help:
- Can perform tasks with occasional prompts or minimal assistance.
- Demonstrates some capacity for independence but needs periodic support.
- Independent:
- Completes tasks confidently without external support.
- Takes initiative and engages actively in the session.
- Comments Section
The Comments section allows teachers to provide additional observations, reflections, or notes about the session. Some examples of what can be included:
- Observations of specific strengths or improvements noticed during the session.
- Example: “The child displayed improved focus during the reading activity today.”
- Notes on challenges or areas needing additional support.
- Example: “Struggled with transitions between activities; required frequent reminders.”
- Suggestions or plans for the next session.
- Example: “Include more visual aids to support comprehension in the next session.”
- Any notable events or circumstances that influenced the session.
- Example: “The child appeared tired today, possibly affecting engagement.”
Purpose and Benefits
This structured documentation helps educators and stakeholders:
- Track and monitor the child’s developmental progress.
- Identify patterns or areas needing intervention.
- Collaborate effectively with parents and specialists by providing data-driven insights.
- Tailor future sessions to the child’s unique needs.