Why I Teach..
I am beginning my fifth year teaching at Steeleville Elementary School. For three years, I taught third grade and fell in love with their innocence, confidence and spunky personalities. Last year, I am embarked on a new journey of teaching fifth grade (math + science). It was not easy for me to let go of student led literature circles on controversial topics about the plot of the novel or omitting creative writing essays that allow each student to have a voice, however I realized tapping into my logical - reasoning side of mathematics and science inquiry has been quite an adventure!
Many people may wonder how a teacher survives all day with nine/ten/eleven year olds needing and wanting our attention. To me it is simple. I teach for the small moments that happen each day in my classroom.
I teach because of the excitement and smiles I receive on Friday 'Homeworkopoly' days in third grade
I teach to hear a student comment on another student's statement by saying, "You just made a text to self connection" during a science unit on plant growth.
I teach because of the immense amount of joy one skittle can bring to a child.
I teach because of a child who told me he was unable to complete the science simple machine project because of lack of materials at home, yet came to school on the day it was due with the proudest, most accomplished smile and a project made from my materials in the classroom and research we did during recess and lunch.
I teach to see a chalkboard full of "We miss you Miss Niemeyer" comments on the board after a day of being sick in bed.
I teach because of a child who came the first day of third grade upset, frustrated and unwilling to learn. Yet, by the end of the year became familiar with his strengths and was eagerly able to tell me what he hopes to be when he grows up.
I teach to see a bunch of third graders cover their eyes and shriek at the color of my new hair - completely destroyed by the thought of their teacher looking different.
I teach for a past student to visit me on the second week of school eager to show me he still remembers all 43 presidents. Proof that not e v e r y t h i n g is forgotten over summer break!
I teach for that moment when I am standing in the front of a room full of children, teaching 'Separate but Equal' during social studies, and realize 14 pairs of eyes are all staring...anxiously hanging on to every word.
I teach because of them.
Many people may wonder how a teacher survives all day with nine/ten/eleven year olds needing and wanting our attention. To me it is simple. I teach for the small moments that happen each day in my classroom.
I teach because of the excitement and smiles I receive on Friday 'Homeworkopoly' days in third grade
I teach to hear a student comment on another student's statement by saying, "You just made a text to self connection" during a science unit on plant growth.
I teach because of the immense amount of joy one skittle can bring to a child.
I teach because of a child who told me he was unable to complete the science simple machine project because of lack of materials at home, yet came to school on the day it was due with the proudest, most accomplished smile and a project made from my materials in the classroom and research we did during recess and lunch.
I teach to see a chalkboard full of "We miss you Miss Niemeyer" comments on the board after a day of being sick in bed.
I teach because of a child who came the first day of third grade upset, frustrated and unwilling to learn. Yet, by the end of the year became familiar with his strengths and was eagerly able to tell me what he hopes to be when he grows up.
I teach to see a bunch of third graders cover their eyes and shriek at the color of my new hair - completely destroyed by the thought of their teacher looking different.
I teach for a past student to visit me on the second week of school eager to show me he still remembers all 43 presidents. Proof that not e v e r y t h i n g is forgotten over summer break!
I teach for that moment when I am standing in the front of a room full of children, teaching 'Separate but Equal' during social studies, and realize 14 pairs of eyes are all staring...anxiously hanging on to every word.
I teach because of them.
Miss Katrina Niemeyer
C u r r e n t l y (3.16.15)
Listening to kids screaming and running around outside
Loving spring!
Thinking volleyball season is went reallllly fast
Wanting to hear Abraham's giggles
Needing to cut my caffeine intake
3 Personal Essentials mint gum, sweet tea, my new bike
Listening to kids screaming and running around outside
Loving spring!
Thinking volleyball season is went reallllly fast
Wanting to hear Abraham's giggles
Needing to cut my caffeine intake
3 Personal Essentials mint gum, sweet tea, my new bike