Dear Family,
My name is Stacy Vensko and I will be your child's second grade teacher.
This is my tenth (10th) year as an elementary teacher and my fifth year at
Laurel Hill School. I truly love being a teacher! I can honestly say that I
get up each morning excited to go to work! Why? Second grade is, by far, my
favorite grade to teach! Second graders have the best traits that
students can possess: curiosity, enthusiasm, and compassion. Children this
age are so much fun to teach! They are so excited to learn and to discover
new things! They are like little sponges!
I'm writing this letter to familiarize you with some of my beliefs about
teaching second grade. Hopefully, you will see how these beliefs shape the
way I run my classroom.
The Workshop Approach to Teaching
Reading, writing, and math will all be taught using a workshop approach in
my second grade classroom. To begin the workshop, I start with teaching a
focus lesson on a skill or strategy which usually lasts about 10 minutes
long. Immediately following the focus lesson, students engage in guided
practice of the skill being taught (help from the teacher). Afterwards,
students engage in independent practice, working at their own pace and
level. At this time of independent practice, I work with a small group of
students and/or hold one-on-one conferences with individual students. To
end the workshop session, students gather together to share learning
experiences.
Why do I teach using the workshop approach?
I love teaching the "Workshop Way" because it allows me to differentiate my
instruction to best meet the needs of ALL of my students. Also, I love
being able to meet with my students in small groups and individually because
I learn about them on a deeper level. The workshop way allows me to do this
best!
I look forward to working with you as a partner in educating your child.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact
me. The fastest way to reach me is by my school email, but you may write a
note or call me at school (652-4111) during my planning time (between the
hours of 10:10 - 10:50 daily). If I am unavailable, please leave a
message and I will return your call as soon as possible. Again, with your
cooperation and support, I know that we can make this the best year yet for
your child!
Enthusiastically,
Stacy Vensko
venskos@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
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