Sue: So using In-the-Picture from my own perspective I think that it has helped me maybe to sit back and watch more just generally anyway. It’s always a challenge I think. And I have to remind myself like a lot of us do just to sit back and watch, because we’re so busy wanting to get a little outcome from things sometimes. And I think when I remember In-the-Picture it comes into my mind how important it is just to take a step back and view things through the child’s eyes again, not worrying so much about what the outcome is that I may want, And just sitting back and seeing where they’re at and what they’re enjoying actually. Because it needs to be fun and if we’re pushing them to do certain things then that’s not always right.  

[Children talking] 

Sue: So I believe that listening to the child is really important. In-the-Picture helps us to sit back and do that through observation and through watching. And because looking very closely when you’re doing the first-person narrative and reflecting on that later, it helps you really tune into the child and pay attention to the small details actually which can get missed on a normal visit. 

[Children talking] 

Margje: So to get the child’s perspective I think maybe after doing the In-the-Picture I look at that a bit more. I think maybe originally I was always taught to just write what you see and not so much from the first-person narrative. So I do use it differently now than I used to.  

[Children talking] 

Sue: I think actually In-the-Picture is a really interesting tool for your own personal development, because I think in life we don’t listen very well and we’re all too busy wanting to say our next thing. And I think actually it makes you reflect on yourself, and even how when we’re interacting with parents and families, sometimes, you know, sitting back and listening is really important. And, you know, we may have a lot to say ourselves, but actually sometimes it’s the parents’ turn to talk and we need to listen. And I think it’s just a good tool really to use always. 

[Children talking] 

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