Miss Buck's Class
This is my second year teaching fourth grade. Fourth grade brings new and exciting challenges for my instruction. I love creating engaging and enriching lessons for my students and hope that my students can take what they are learning in the classroom and apply the lessons to their everyday lives.
I attended Penn State University majoring in Elementary Education (K-6) and minoring in Psychology. I student taught for a full year in kindergarten, and taught once a week in a third grade setting. Go Nittany Lions!
In my spare time I love playing with my dog Stella,reading, drawing, crocheting, and being outside. I enjoy taking walks and long hikes, traveling, and watching movies.
I am very excited to be your child's teacher this year and I am looking forward to a fantastic year!
Go Wildcats!
ABOUT ME
My Philosophy
I believe in creating a safe learning environment for all students, differentiating instruction to fit all learner's needs, and helping create citizens. When students feel safe in the classroom, they are able to take risks and learn. Especially in today's high stakes testing environment, I believe that students need to relish in their mistakes because that is where we truly learn. I believe in differentiating instruction. Every student learns differently and I believe it's my responsibility to meet their needs and help them grow into lifelong learners. Lastly, I believe in shaping all of my students into kind, considerate, and thoughtful citizens. I want them to take their academic knowledge, and make it a change to better our world.
My Background
FAQ
What is your homework policy?
There is reading homework every night. Students are expected to read at least 20 minutes every night and fill in their reading log with the amount of minutes read. I encourage students to read at least 20 minutes on the weekend as well. There is typically a page of math homework 2-3 times a week and word study or a writing assignment every night. I alternate weekly between nightly word study homework and nightly writing prompts. I do not give homework on Fridays. If a student did not finish their classwork, they are expected to complete their classwork in addition to their homework.
Homework does not go toward the student's overall grade, but rather go toward their effort and participation grades.
What do you use for classroom management?
I use Classdojo. Students receive points for positive classroom behaviors, such as getting to work right away, working well in a group, and following directions. Points can be taken away as well, but I try to focus on the positive behaviors and reward those students rather than punish students who are not following classroom expectations. For students not following classroom expectations, I redirect their behavior and give them a Dojo point when they are doing what is expected of them. Students are encouraged to set point goals for themselves at the beginning of each week, and at the end of the week see if they reached their goal.
Also, I use a point system for small groups. I want students to learn how to work productively in groups and give points to small groups who are modeling how to do so. After two weeks, the small group with the largest amount of points is invited to have lunch in the classroom.
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