When you walk into the second grade classroom, you will immediately sense that this is an inviting, warm learning environment. And you will also quickly recognize that it is extremely well ORGANIZED! I will use all kinds of adjectives to describe Martha Diorio, but organized is always high on the list. How I envy that ability she has ...and her very neat desk!
So what does this tell you about her as a teacher ? It tells you that she is well prepared for her students with lessons planned well in advance including the best way to incorporate special projects and events into the learning. It means that the students develop a consistent daily routine with clear expectations. While she is quick to give a consoling hug or a compassionate listening ear, she also lets the children know that she has high standards for good conduct and best effort.
You may not know that Mrs. Diorio first joined our staff as a Teaching Assistant for second grade. Although she was a qualified teacher, she was interested in working with us for a few hours each week at that time. As it turned out, we had an opening for a second grade teacher the very next year. What a great way for Mrs. Diorio to prepare for her new job. She immediately began to put her own special touch on our second grade curriculum by planning meaningful (and fun) projects and events to enrich the curriculum and program. A great example is the recent robot project the students did following a story they read in class. They had a great time bringing in all kinds of items that are typically trash and covering their classroom with paper towel rolls, boxes, cans, and bottles. Students loved designing and creating their own robots.
Mrs.Diorio also teaches keyboarding to our fourth grade students and works with fifth grade students on projects using technology. It is interesting for her to be able to continue her connection with her former second grade students.
Mrs. Diorio finds ways to connect with her students’ parents and involve them in the learning process. This results in their participation in special events during the year. Students learn about their ancestors through a special food tasting that turns into a feast. Parents are invited in to share information about their jobs on career day. And there are a couple of special days for Moms and Dads. Students and parents enjoy learning together through these activities. Now that is what I call fostering a love of learning.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
CA Pride - Julie Deans
I really enjoy listening to Julie Deans when she is working with our preschool students in the computer lab across from the office. Sometimes it is hard to tell who is more excited .. Mrs. Deans or the children! She is so happy when a child succeeds in mastering a skill or discovers something new. This enthusiasm for helping young children learn characterizes Mrs. Deans approach to teaching Quite simply she loves kids and that says it all.
I first met Mrs. Deans when I was hired to teach 2nd and 3rd grade classes at The St. Christopher School and taught one of her children. When I returned a few years later as Head of School, my predecessor recommended that I hire Mrs. Deans as a Teaching Assistant in Preschool. Little did either of us know that we would still be working together sixteen years later...and how glad I am that we are! One of the things I value so highly is her perspective as a parent of former students and her sense of CA's history.
You may not know that Mrs. Deans is also the Teaching Assistant with first grade science and social studies classes in the afternoon . For several years she supervised lunch for various grade groups including fourth and fifth grade students. She often has told me how much she enjoys the opportunity to interact with students she first taught at the age of three. She continues to supervise lunch with K students on Tuesdays.
Being a very creative person, Mrs. Deans taught the Kindergarten art class for many years and has also
taught Adventure Kids art classes. Maybe her son, Matt, gets his creative talent from her. He designed our Mouse and Lion logo.
Mrs. Deans brings the same level of interest and caring about the individual child to her teaching regardless of the age or grade. She has high expectations of her students and wants to see each child be the best that he or she can be. She has this innate ability to sense when a child is not okay whether it is due to not feeling well or being sad about something. I believe our young students sense this and, as a result, feel secure and nurtured.
Every now and then, Mrs. Deans comes to me and says “You just have to see what the kids are doing.” (I have shared some of these moments with you via Facebook.) When I get to the room, I have to say again that it is hard to tell who is more enthusiastic about what is happening ...the students or Mrs.Deans! Now that is what I call fostering a love of learning.
I first met Mrs. Deans when I was hired to teach 2nd and 3rd grade classes at The St. Christopher School and taught one of her children. When I returned a few years later as Head of School, my predecessor recommended that I hire Mrs. Deans as a Teaching Assistant in Preschool. Little did either of us know that we would still be working together sixteen years later...and how glad I am that we are! One of the things I value so highly is her perspective as a parent of former students and her sense of CA's history.
You may not know that Mrs. Deans is also the Teaching Assistant with first grade science and social studies classes in the afternoon . For several years she supervised lunch for various grade groups including fourth and fifth grade students. She often has told me how much she enjoys the opportunity to interact with students she first taught at the age of three. She continues to supervise lunch with K students on Tuesdays.
Being a very creative person, Mrs. Deans taught the Kindergarten art class for many years and has also
taught Adventure Kids art classes. Maybe her son, Matt, gets his creative talent from her. He designed our Mouse and Lion logo.
Mrs. Deans brings the same level of interest and caring about the individual child to her teaching regardless of the age or grade. She has high expectations of her students and wants to see each child be the best that he or she can be. She has this innate ability to sense when a child is not okay whether it is due to not feeling well or being sad about something. I believe our young students sense this and, as a result, feel secure and nurtured.
Every now and then, Mrs. Deans comes to me and says “You just have to see what the kids are doing.” (I have shared some of these moments with you via Facebook.) When I get to the room, I have to say again that it is hard to tell who is more enthusiastic about what is happening ...the students or Mrs.Deans! Now that is what I call fostering a love of learning.
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