1st-3rd Grade Teacher:
Leslie Watkins
Personal Background: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and PK-3 Licensure (Certification) from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. I am also certified for Early Education here in Washington. It was a unique opportunity to do my student teaching in Fairfax, VA with a strong exposure to numerous cultures and home languages, as well as a high population of students with gifted and learning disability needs. I have done extensive research in Gifted Education with a focus on dual-exceptionalities (gifted combined with learning disabilities; gifted with ADHD, etc...). I've been fortunate to work in three different states as a substitute teacher, concentrating in Special Education classrooms: Fairfax, VA, FL and Schertz, TX. In Florida I worked as an Elementary school secretary, a 1st and 3rd grade Teacher's Aid, and an Assistant Teacher, tutoring math to 7th graders. My husband's Air Force career has blessed us with incredible educational experiences for our three - now grown children, as our move to Spokane was our tenth in 20 years! I have been able to volunteer extensively in various classroom situations tutoring students and observing extremely talented teachers in both public and private schools. I have been able to travel extensively throughout the United States experiencing many wonders first hand that are such a privilege to teach to young children. This will be my 2nd year at North Wall. I am honored to be able to continue the vision of a school setting that honors children and their individual strengths.
Philosophy of Teaching: I aspire to be a life-long learner and to provide an environment where children can become independent learners so they, too, can attain that goal. My objective is to provide a safe educational environment; one where individual strengths are the focus and different learning styles recognized; an environment where I provide the opportunities, but remain willing to learn as well as teach. I strive to provide opportunities for an educational expereince that makes a memorable impact, employing as many senses as possible and strengthening weaknesses by concentrating on areas of strength. Research has proven when senses and strengths are acknowledged, deeper connections are made and good strategies absorbed for futher learning.
I believe that each child is blessed with unique gifts and is created to succeed. I believe that we adults are entrusted to nurture with love, kindness and respect. When children's unique strengths and interests are recognized, nurtured and allowed to guide choices in their learning with consistent - developmentally appropriate curriculum, they become independent learners and self managers of behavior. When children have a safe environment where learning takes place from their initiative and explorations, it is a place where we all thrive. When growth flourishes in our classroom, we all benefit and learn as a community of life-long learners!
Goals for the Class:Class Schedule:
| 9:00 - 9:30* | Morning Meeting (Morning News, Calendar, Introduction Activity) |
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| 9:30 - 10:45* | LITERACY BLOCK (Individual Reading Instruction & Themed Learning Centers) | |
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Project Sharing & Clean Up | |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Recess | |
| 11:30 - 12:00 | Lunch | |
| 12:00 - 12:30 | Recess | |
| 12:30 - 12:45 | Silent Reading | |
| 12:45 - 1:00* | LITERACY ACTIVITY (Literacy Skill Intro, Literacy Object Sharing, Interactive Writing, Shared Reading) |
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| 1:00 - 1:45* | MATH BLOCK (Opening Math Activity, Individual Math Instruction & Math Centers) | |
| 1:45 – 2:00 | Clean Up & Snack | |
| 2:00 – 2:30 | Journal Writing & Daily Report | |
| 2:30 – 3:00 | PE/Recess | |
| AFTER SCHOOL SCHEDULE* | ||
| 3:00 - 4:15 | Group Time & Centers |
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| 4:15 - 4:45 | Recess | |
| 4:45 - 5:00 | Snack | |
| 5:00 - 5:15 | Free Choice and Center Exploration (Art, Crafts, small motor, sensory, cooperative games) |
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| 5:15 - 5:30 | Clean up and individual time | |