I have been teaching elementary education for 22 years. Most of my experience is in first grade, where the energy and enthusiasm inspired me to begin writing original songs to help them retain the concepts being taught. I obtained my Master's Degree in Reading from the University of Virginia and began adding songs to assist in my Word Study program. I have since moved to 4th grade, where I get to teach our state's history and use songs I've written to help older students pass their state standardized tests.
I run an active, hands on, whole brain classroom where we use auditory, visual, and kinesthetic approaches to everything. My students dance and sing their way to learning curriculum concepts. I use music throughout the day for different reasons to achieve desired outcomes. Sometimes I use my own, other times I use recorded music or other artist's songs. I've had many students tell me they got questions right on tests because they had one of my songs in their head.
Four time nominee and finalist for the Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year Award for Loudoun County, Va.
I tell my students I try to incorporate some of the best styles from my favorite teachers growing up in North Central West Virginia. I try to be compassionate like my 3rd grade teacher Ms. Riffle, I use humor like my 4th grade teacher Mr. Green, I try to develop of love of reading like my 6th and 8th grade reading teachers Mrs. Berry and Mrs. King, and I strive to reach every single student like my 7th grade Language Arts teacher Mr. Williams. And I am thankful for my Aunt Kathy, who gave me great books every year for my birthday, fostering my own love of reading.
Yet to be added
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Reading, Spelling, Math, Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Measurement, Numbers, Science, Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Physics, Social Studies, Ancient History, Civics, Government, Native Americans, U.S. History, World History, Arts & Music, Music, Vocal Music, Geography, Economics , General Science, Writing, Asian Studies, Reading Strategies, Holidays/Seasonal, Winter, Phonics