Well, I have to say, my husband Ryan takes the cake when it comes to support. He is the most amazingly loving, supportive, funny guy I have ever met. After almost four years together, I still often pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming. He raises my six year old son as his own while also being an amazing father to his own two children. He cooks, cleans, and loves to have fun with the kids. He can fix just about anything, has the greenest thumb of anyone I know, and makes me laugh hysterically. There is no way I could ever work full time, teach dance classes in the evening, and attend college without his love and support. I cannot believe God has blessed me with such a wonderful man. Thank you Lord!
When trying to think in terms of tools as support, I came up with the items pictured above. Without my phone, car, or computer, I would not go back and forth to work, keep in touch with my loved ones or do my job as efficiently.
My dependency on these tools really started to make me think about the supports we can provide children within the classroom. If we can benefit so much from the tools around us, think of how much children can benefit with the right tools.
Aside from providing personal, loving support from a teaching standpoint, early childhood educators also have the responsibility to offer children the tools they need to become self sufficient in their leaning process. Scaffolding the environment with these tools and providing routine procedures and gentle guidance are both forms of support. For example, computerized programs are available for just about anything. They can assist in teaching children language, math concepts, music - the possibilities are endless. With exposure to the computers and a system for sharing them with the other kids, the children can learn so much. We can also post pictures of their families, provide them with books about a variety of cultures, and be sure there are plenty of hands on learning opportunities around for children to utilize as tools to keep them comfortable, motivated and engaged.
There are, of course, challenges to creating an environment where diverse learners can coexist and thrive simultaneously. Funding for materials, personnel and technology are always scarce. The trick is to do the best with what we have and be smart with planning.
