My Supports

I began this assignment by thinking about a typical day.  I have the emotional support of my husband and daughter.  As I have embarked on this journey of furthering my education, my four year old has even said, in my last course, “Mama is it time for us to do our child development?”  Even this simple statement was an encouragement to me.  My husband is always there for me and knows me so well that he knows what I need, when I need it. He is a great supporter, as he helps me in every way he can.  I often get off task, like when I am cleaning, and he will help me complete the task, while listening to me talk. I have the emotional support of my parents, and extended family as well.  At work, I feel that my principal backs what I do, and believes in the power of early childhood education.  She is open to new ideas and is always positive. In addition, at school, my assistant teacher is an emotional and a physical support.  She helps me stay on task and accomplish goals we have set for our children.  She helps me finish our tasks, and carry through our plans.

            Another support in my environment is my cell phone. This is a must have for me!  Whatever did I do before I had an electronic contact list, camera, and texting all at my fingertips? I use my phone as a means of communicating with others, and keeping in touch.  Add to this list of electronic supports the Internet.  Without it, how could I further my education at my convenience?

            I also must rely upon the support of my glasses.  I have worn them since first grade-for 31 years now!  I cannot see without them!  They are the first things I put on and the last thing I take off.

            In my classroom, my lesson plans are a practical support for me.  Without them, I am not as effective.  I know that they are a guide, but well thought out plans ensure that I am meeting my goals, and prepare the needed materials.   I could muddle through a day without a lesson plan, but having this guide is crucial to me.  I can sometimes tend to veer off course, and having the plans helps me steer straight.

I imagined myself as having a speech difficulty, with limited hearing.  I would need many supports for this.  First and foremost, I would need the support of my family.  They would need to learn sign language to communicate with me and tolerance for interpreting my speech.  I would need their love and encouragement on a daily basis. I would need the support of professionals such as physicians and speech pathologists to aid me in my journey.  Teachers would provide support as I learned sign language and academic skills. A physical support would be a hearing aid.  Perhaps in some situations paper and pencil would be necessary if I was not understood.  If I was in school, I may a need a teaching assistant with me to help sign what teachers are saying. If I were attending Walden, I would need to utilize the closed captioning on the videos to aid me.  Without these supports, life would be difficult.  The supports are invaluable and needed for daily life.