Laurie Benink:
Mrs. Benink
Sycamore Canyon:
Sycamore Canyon School
Primary:
4th Grade
Phone:
498-1573 ext.221
Hi, my name is Laurie Benink. I was born in Arizona and moved to California
when I was two-years-old. I have an older sister and two younger twin
brothers. I graduated California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in
Child Development. While working on my credential, I began taking courses in
Industrial (woodworking) Art. I discovered a hidden talent and found myself
almost switching majors. I know that one day I will return and complete my
degree in the industrial arts program. As for now, I am confident in my finish
carpentry skills and can build just about anything from scratch. Crazy but true.
Although I have many creative hobbies that keep me busy and fulfilled,
teaching was always something special.
My husband and I live in Newbury Park along with our two large canine
companions and our two cats. For the past several months, I have gone through
the rewarding process of becoming a foster parent to two of six young
children. Being thrown into the world of parenting has made me even more aware
of the challenges parents endure on a daily basis. My children continue to
make great strides both academically and socially. I patiently await notice of
their permanent placement.
As far as teaching experience, I have taught first through fifth grade and
have found something wonderfully rewarding about each grade and stage of a
child's development.
In conclusion, I read a wonderful book over the summer titled, The Minds of
Boys by Michael Gurian. He shares amazing insights and research on the brain.
I plan to incorporate my new found knowledge into my teaching. I am certain to
have outstanding results.
The most important responsibility of a teacher is to give each child a dream
to follow and belief in his or her abilities. I believe that taking the time
to find and nurture that special area of interest provides each child with
an invaluable gift of self-confidence.
Third Grade was a "transition" year and you will notice many changes as your
child leaves "primary" and begins the "upper" grades. With a strong team
effort of parents, students and teachers, we will watch the students become
more independent and responsible thinkers and workers.
In fourth grade, learning is at a faster pace as a lot of new material is
introduced throughout the year. The workload and expectations will increase.
My goal is to meet the challenges of fourth grade while trying to meet all
individual needs, and still maintain a positive and "fun" learning
experience for the students.
In order to guarantee your child, and all the students in my class the
excellent learning climate they deserve, I utilize the "3-R philosophy"-
Respect (for each other and property); Responsibility (for their actions);
and 2 Rights (I have the "right" to teach, and the students have the "right"
to learn).
Everyday is a new beginning and we start "fresh" each morning. I always use
positive encouragement and incentives for those students who choose to be
cooperative and productive. I believe that students can learn and when they
leave my classroom, I want then to have the same belief and confidence in
themselves that I already have in them.
Teacher's Message
Quote of the Month:
Do not go where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
