Reflective Writing..

I chose yesterday to test out Reid and Moons frame work when writing a journal entry. I chose this day as there were a number of events happening.

I first had a rehearsal for the show I am involved with, it was just for me to meet the actors, watch them run the first act and see the set as dancers don’t start until next week.

Secondly I had a meeting with a company I teach for about a possible summer project I would like to get involved in.

Thirdly I was teaching at dance school; four separate classes for children between the ages of 4 and 16.

I have decided not to write out my full description of the day on here as it is very long but just to go through some of the points bought up when using the framework. It was easy enough to write a description of the day’s events in detail as it was still very fresh in my mind. Without realising it I did some reflecting as I was writing my description adding in things that had gone well or hadn’t and how I felt. But it further helped my reflection when I went through the questions

What did you feel about it?

I felt I had had a really good day, but didn’t realise I thought this until prompted with the actual question! It was constructive and I was able to cover three important areas of work. I was up and out of the house early which made me feel like I was making the most of my day and time.

What were you thinking?

After rehearsals I was thinking I am happy to be involved and looking forward to doing the shows. But it also made me realise there are some areas I am concerned about, I have done it before and it always works out in the end but I can’t stop myself from worrying!

Did anything unexpected happen?

I hadn’t thought of looking at any events as unexpected but there were two that came to mind when asked this question.

1.      A new song has been added to the show, so that means more choreography for me.

2.      When teaching I had not planned to do creative sessions but the children lead me in that direction with a fireworks theme and it produced some really great results.

What was your mood?

I was generally in a good, happy, positive mood. There were a few tired moments when teaching though.

When asked to make a list I admit I was a bit hesitant about how this would help me reflect as surely I had just covered everything I had seen, felt and done in my description of the day!?

However I really enjoyed making a list of just one word answers about the day and guess what, it turns out it made me think in a different way and I came up with some events and feeling I hadn’t even thought of earlier.

Colourful Set

Scripts

Rain

Music

Hot and Sweaty

Manic

Fireworks

Bang

Explosion

Travel

Welsh

Excited

Confused

Happy

Proud

I could easily see what had gone well during the day and what hadn’t. But did I learn anything? Yes! 

• I am not a morning person and so need to prepare items for a busy the day the night before instead of trying to rush around in the morning and find them all!

• I actually discovered I am better at thinking on my feet than I had thought. During my meeting I was put on the spot and able to come up with good suggestions on how we could work with different age groups and get as many people involved in the Musical show as possible. Then when teaching when I realised the children would really enjoy a creative class I was able to quickly find some suitable fireworks music, give clear instructions and guidance on a task I had never done before, and set up a structure in which to present their work at the end.

It was interesting looking at the day from someone else’s perspective and is something I will try to do more of in the future. I think we can easily get wrapped up in our own little world of thoughts and feelings, and this just helps to see things through other people’s eyes.

When looking at the day as a whole and trying to see how it fits in in my daily life and perhaps with this course it made me think that I am very lucky to have such varied job, and work with some amazingly talented people. I also get to pass my knowledge and experience on to children who share my passion for dance, and I do feel proud of both them and myself when we have had a really productive class.