Meet Mrs. Kramer

It feels hard to believe, but I have over 25 years of teaching experience! I have taught in three different Seventh-day Adventist schools in California. Most of my experience has been in multi-grade classrooms. My students' eyes get sooo big when I tell them I have taught hundreds of kids! I have taught all of the elementary grades except K, 5th, and 6th. I especially love 3rd & 4th graders! They are so excited to learn new things.

My husband, John, and I enjoy camping, exploring the outdoors, working in our yard, and being with family. John enjoys volunteering in the classroom with art and anything involving building things. We don't have any children, but every year we are excited to have a classroom full of "our" kids.

Both John & I are following in family footsteps in our careers. John is following his dad and uncles in construction and design. I am following my dad, uncles, and grandfathers who were teachers. We are blessed to be living near family, and are constantly delighted by our nieces.

One of my favorite things about teaching in an Adventist school is watching my students as they grow in their relationship with Jesus. Children are such special believers, and I am daily reminded to "become like little children" in my faith. I enjoy growing with my students as we learn to be good examples and even missionaries for Jesus right in our school.

CLASSROOM STYLE

In my classroom, we spend a great deal of time learning to be responsible and organized. I feel that those are two of the best skills for school success. Each student in my class maintains a binder that they take home each evening. This binder contains many things, including an assignment planner. These binders have really helped students keep track of their school things.

My classroom has a play money system. Instead of dollars, we have "yenom" - money spelled backwards. Yenom can be earned by being on time, completing homework, doing classroom jobs, keeping desks neat, etc. Yenom might also have to be paid - for no name on paper, extra copies of missing work, needing a new pencil, etc. Yenom is saved and used for our classroom city - buying a lot to build a house on, and later a business (great way to teach Social Studies community lessons). In California history years, the yenom is also used for students to "pay" their way to California. This system has so many benefits - easy class management, it helps students learn to count money, and it teaches money management. Thanks to Margie Crofoot (my sister's 3rd & 4th grade teacher, and family friend) for the great idea!