Journal #4

          This week we were given a lot of helpful clues as to what we are going to be tested on. It was so nice to be able to do a few games to help us understand what it is like to be a child who has a disability. The game we did in class on Wednesday was a little challenging. It was hard to see what we as teachers would need to do, and the steps to take to make sure a struggling child is getting the proper care and treatment. The study guide we filled out about the laws has ben a lot of help as well knowing what year they happened and the things they fought for in each different case. The main thing this week for me was doing the visibly impaired segment of our class. It was pretty challenging to walk around the apartment and wear a mask that hid my eyes from the world. I relied on my hands to guide me around the entire 4 hours.
          A funny part of this was when I was hungry and anted to heat up a can of chili. My roommates were sitting in the living room and I was in the kitchen. I held up a can from my cupboard and asks if it was my can of chili. They said yes and so I continued to open it up. When I put it into the bowl I realized I had opened my can of pinto beans for making homemade Chili's and soups. I was sad and had to dump it out and try another can. Luckily that time it was my can of chili. Walking around the apart became a little easier as time went on, but was hard at first. At one point I was dancing to a song for my roommate and continued to feel around me to make sure I didn't stray from the spot I was standing in. I now realize how difficult it is to have something taken away from you or even be born that way. I need to be grateful for what I have and know that there are children in this world who are relying on me as a teacher to be their guide. It is pretty scary to think of because as class continues I am learning so many new things that I need to be doing as a teacher. As time continues I will grow to become a better leader and to be able to reach out to these children who have disabilities and know exactly the kind of treatment they need to push them further towards their goals.