Gussy's Goodies

My passion is Early LIteracy Learning. I love teaching Grade 1, as you start with a class full of non-readers, and end with students who have grown a passion for reading and writing. Seeing students have 'aha' moments brings me life, and I hope to share some of the activities with you that my own students love to do in our classroom.

No two students learn the same way, and I love the 'puzzle' of figuring out what works best for each child. Having worked in a Specialized Classroom where all students were diagnosed with Learning Disabilities, I have seen the importance of differentiating instruction and assessment. I believe in hands-on exploration through meaningful games and activities, but also believe in explicit and systematic instruction.

I won the Alterna Savings Golden Apple Award in my first year of teaching for my commitment to my students and the learning community.

After graduating high school, I completed a 4 year B.Sc. degree with a focus in Foods and Nutrition. I then went on to Teacher's College where I studied Primary/Junior education and received my B.Ed. I have since completed 8 Additional Qualification courses, including my Primary/Junior Math Specialist and Intermediate Math qualifications, as well as my Special Education Specialist and my Principal Qualification Courses.

I've been a teacher at heart my whole life! Even while I was a student, I had a 'school' set up in my basement where any stuffed animal, sibling, cousin, pet, etc. that was willing (or summoned) to let me teach them were my students. My mind thinks teaching no matter where I am, what I'm doing, who I'm with, or what time of year it is. Although I don't have any teachers in my family, I do believe I was given the 'teacher gene'. I love to watch students develop into better versions of themselves and celebrating their successes with them makes me beyond happy. Teaching is not a job for me - it is my passion, my lifestyle, and my calling!