I compare support to the foundation of a house. It is the solid wide spread base and beginning from where all the support to the building starts. Support builds our character and allows us the knowledge and strength to be successful in our endeavors. Those who have followed any of my writings probably already could guess that I am going to say that my family is the most important to me in all the world! My Mom and my Children have been my biggest inspiration. motivation and support. Other supports for me are my Newfoundlands, Husband, dear friends, other family members, myself and work. Another peer mentioned technology and that is very true for me as well. I live in a tiny frontier town with no stoplights and one small grocery store. I would not have my B.S. nor would I be able to work on my Masters let alone be writing this blog. I suppose I could even go as far as saying that nutrition, exercise and medical advances are also a large support for me.
Friends and family give me emotional support, work gives me not only financial support but self-worth as well. My Newfies afford me comfort, company and unconditional love. My Children and Grandchildren give me motivation to live and be a great person, I am so proud of who they are as people and I am beyond proud to be a part of their lives.
As for what life would be without these supports unfortunately I don't have to guess....it is miserable. I recently lost my Mom and the same week was told I had cancer. Going through months of surgery and radiation was terrible without my Mom. I moved into my Son's home back where I am from and where my Mom had lived in order to access the medical treatment that I needed. Which meant that I was away from friends, work, pets and my husband. To be in the town where I grew up and my Mom had been for over fifty years and not have her there with me was the most miserable. The only reason I survived is because of my children who were true Champions that took Great care of me both physically and emotionally and my Grandchildren whom I treasure.
Jenn
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
My Connections To Pl
If I were to chose just two quotes that summarize my childhood they would be:
"Keep Company With Those Who Make You Better" (Unknown) & my new
favorite: "The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health"
(Almon, 2002). I can clearly look back on my younger years with a smile and
clearly be able to associate the importance play with a healthy self-esteem and
thirst to explore and learn as much as I can.
When I was four and five years old I was the happiest I would ever be as a
child.r children every second. The neighborhood children would go to Bidwell
Park which was one block from my home and butted up against the Elementary
School. This park meandered through the whole town and the part that we lived closest to was the deer pen. We would take the stale bread and hand feed the deer, then have a picnic that was packed by our folks and sit in the clearing and watch the deer and squirrels play. This park was like living 5 minutes from Sherwood Forest! I spent practically all my free time in this park. Capton Bidwell had brought trees from all over his travels and planted in the park. There was also a stream running right through the middle of the park with camp areas and swimming holes. The older children where responsible for us little ones and as we grew older we became responsible for those younger than use.
I miss those times but know that I am extremely lucky to have had the experience! In order for my children to have similar experiences I made time to go to places where they could run, explore and feel free, even though I was present. I feel we can do similar things by being purposeful in how we set up our class environments and in the resources and materials that we use. I am a firm believer in play, down time, art, and rejuvenating oneself. I feel this is partially due to all the freedom and great experiences that I had as a young child but also greatly due to a Mom who was kind and supportive. She was always supportive and encouraged us to use our imagination. I am very aware of the need to express myself and to "play". I can tell when I have neglected myself and the tense feelings become too much. That's when I take time for me and I can feel myself become productive and full of ideas again. Every child deserves to have their Sherwood Forest.
I have included a couple of materials that I use in class to help encourage the children's imaginations.
Jennifer Pore`
Almon., K. (2002). The Vital Role of play in early childhood education.
Gateways, 43, Retrieved from
http://waldorfresearchinstitute.org/pdf/BAPlayAlmon.pdf
www.http://hazelnut.com
www.http://magiccabin.com
www.http://melissaanddoug.com
"Keep Company With Those Who Make You Better" (Unknown) & my new
favorite: "The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health"
(Almon, 2002). I can clearly look back on my younger years with a smile and
clearly be able to associate the importance play with a healthy self-esteem and
thirst to explore and learn as much as I can.
When I was four and five years old I was the happiest I would ever be as a
child.r children every second. The neighborhood children would go to Bidwell
Park which was one block from my home and butted up against the Elementary
School. This park meandered through the whole town and the part that we lived closest to was the deer pen. We would take the stale bread and hand feed the deer, then have a picnic that was packed by our folks and sit in the clearing and watch the deer and squirrels play. This park was like living 5 minutes from Sherwood Forest! I spent practically all my free time in this park. Capton Bidwell had brought trees from all over his travels and planted in the park. There was also a stream running right through the middle of the park with camp areas and swimming holes. The older children where responsible for us little ones and as we grew older we became responsible for those younger than use.
I miss those times but know that I am extremely lucky to have had the experience! In order for my children to have similar experiences I made time to go to places where they could run, explore and feel free, even though I was present. I feel we can do similar things by being purposeful in how we set up our class environments and in the resources and materials that we use. I am a firm believer in play, down time, art, and rejuvenating oneself. I feel this is partially due to all the freedom and great experiences that I had as a young child but also greatly due to a Mom who was kind and supportive. She was always supportive and encouraged us to use our imagination. I am very aware of the need to express myself and to "play". I can tell when I have neglected myself and the tense feelings become too much. That's when I take time for me and I can feel myself become productive and full of ideas again. Every child deserves to have their Sherwood Forest.
I have included a couple of materials that I use in class to help encourage the children's imaginations.
Jennifer Pore`
Almon., K. (2002). The Vital Role of play in early childhood education.
Gateways, 43, Retrieved from
http://waldorfresearchinstitute.org/pdf/BAPlayAlmon.pdf
www.http://hazelnut.com
www.http://magiccabin.com
www.http://melissaanddoug.com
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