I teach... 6th-8th Grade Spanish, In this class we prepare for success in high school Spanish by breaking down parts of Spanish 1 into little pieces so that when it is time to leave Bonner, students are ready to crush their first year. We start with numbers and the alphabet in 6th grade and by 8th grade are reading and writing whole paragraphs! Why learn Spanish? There are a lot of reasons! Did you know that bilingual people earn more money, on average, than monolingual people? All that extra earning can add up to $67,000 over your lifetime! Sweet! Maybe you dream of playing sports in college? Most colleges only accept students who have taken two years of foreign language in high school. But, perhaps most importantly, you can look cool when you order food at a Mexican restaurant (fajitas, anyone?...don't forget the "j" makes a "h" sound!). More reasons to learn a language (link to video). 7th and 8th Grade Computers Our main focus in Computers class is to navigate the world of the internet and technology safely and efficiently. Many students carry around high-powered computers in their pockets (cell phones!) but that doesn't mean there isn't more to learn. In Computers, students become more efficient and accurate typists, learn applications of Google and Microsoft (Excel, PowerPoint, Sheets, Slides, and Docs), make websites and podcasts, hone their online research skills, think critically about the media, recognize the importance of digital citizenship, and so much more! Montana Living (outdoor education). Montana Living was born out of both the need that I had and the need that I recognized in students to spend more time outside. Humans were made to move and we were made to be outside. The popularity of this class just goes to show that we are our happiest, best selves when we are in nature. In Montana Living we don't just go outside, however. We build shelters and fires, tie knots, hike and snowshoe, find edible plants, navigate with a map and compass, and sometimes, we just play outside. How lucky we are to live where we do?!
Dance and Drama. Dance and Drama classes alternate quarters. I have a strong background in each of these subjects, having been trained in both throughout my life, and I am always excited to share my passion for the performing arts with my students. In Dance we learn elements of movement, how to count music, ballet, modern, and hip-hop style dances and how to choreograph. In Drama, students learn elements of theater including stage directions, voice, pantomime, improvisation, monologue, dialogue, and more!
I love the opportunity that I have to see Bonner students many times throughout my day!