Welcome to Our 3rd and 4th Grade Classroom

In our classroom you will definitely find a lot of energy and inquisitiveness of 8-10 year olds. We have a lot of fun and I love their eagerness to learn more about everything! We also get to dig deeper into God's Word and they begin to explore their strengths and gifts, which is my favorite part. I'm blessed to be the one to help them discover God's plan for them and help them use their individual gifts to glorify him.  We study his Word through Lessons in our Christ Light curriculum and focus on particular Bible verses each week to apply to our daily lives.  

Other areas of academic focus take us into literary works of well known and new authors.  Students discover styles of writing and genres of literature to help them discover topics and interests they want to read more about.  They develop favorite authors and explore new places and topics in non fiction texts.

In Science we use both our observations and hands-on experiments to explore earth, physical and life science.  We develop a sense of wonder for God’s design and use scientific based methods of question, predict, gather, analyze and draw conclusions.  Learning that all data must be documented in our own individual style (guided) in a scientific notebook.  It’s so fun to see all their discoveries from their perspective.

In Math we instill the foundations of the basic building blocks of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and putting those in our working memories with daily review.  We also start developing concepts of patterns and formulas to discover deeper meaning and uses for mathematical calculations.

Social Studies provides a time to learn more about our local history (Wisconsin) and the greater history of our own country and the many cultures that have helped to shape and form this beautiful land we call home.  We learn how geography plays a role in progress and development of cities and economics.

I am privileged to have served in the public ministry for 25 years (so far).  I graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN in 1986 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  I have, however, taught every grade level from 3K-12th grade!  I have been blessed to serve at WLA in Fond du Lac, WI (9-12), St. John’s Lutheran in Stanton, NE (1-4), Jackson, WI at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High school (my husband, Mark taught here while I stayed home with our children), Christ Lutheran in Grand Island, NE (Pre K3-8th) and now, for the past 12 years at St. John’s in Jefferson, WI.  My first 6 years here I taught in a variety of classrooms, but have settled in the 3rd and 4th grade classroom for the past 6 years. I’m grateful to parents like you, who allow me to nurture and help your children grow both spiritually and academically.

My husband (currently with Jesus) and I were married in 1988 and we were able to teach together both in Stanton and Grand Island.  We had 5 beautiful children, 3 girls and 2 boys, and since his passing I’ve added 4 amazing children by way of spouses to our family.  My oldest daughter, Bailey and her husband Jake live in Mondamin, IA where she is a high school guidance counselor and he teaches high school students a variety of shop classes.  My daughter Hannah and her husband Connor live in Lincoln, NE and work for a company called Hudl.  Hannah is in the Sales Department and Connor in IT.  My daughter Madysen and her husband Nathanael just moved to Davenport, IA where he will be serving in his first pastoral position at Gethsemane Lutheran Church.  Madysen works for Institutional Ministries as director of content for their outreach platforms. My son Clayton and his wife Mary are both serving as teachers in Missouri City, TX (Houston area) at Divine Savior Academy.  Clay teachers History to 6-11th graders and Mary teachers 3rd grade.  My youngest son, Caleb, is attending Martin Luther College and will be starting his sophomore year this Fall, focusing on secondary education in the area of History.

Our family is known for fierce family competitions when we get together, long lasting board games, and epic road trips just for a sibling athletic event or a simple hike up a mountain. We all love nature in all of God’s forms and find ourselves exploring as much as possible. Mostly we just love being together.

One of my favorite Bible verses reminds me every day that I have nothing to worry about and that Jesus will bless me with His peace.  He totally has.

John 14:27     Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Come and visit our classroom any time.