Welcome to Second Grade! My name is Theresa Valentine and I can't wait to teach your children!
I graduated from Ohio Dominican with a B.S. in Elementary Education. I began teaching in 1992 and have been teaching second grade at St. Paul since 2003. I also had the privilege of attending St. Paul as a child. What an honor it has been to be able to teach at the school that helped form me into the person I am today! I loved my experience so much that I sent my three wonderful children to St. Pauls as well. Maddie, Aidan and Haven have all graduated college and are in their careers but still tribute the foundations they received in their faith and academics, to be their guide as they navigate this next journey of their lives.
I became a teacher because I wanted to, first and foremost, help children develop a positive self esteem. If students believe in themselves, then they are more willing to learn, take risks and challenge themselves. I love to help children see the good in themselves and their classmates which makes for a happy and safe environment to grow and learn in. Our class motto is "We give put ups, not put downs!"
Second grade is such a wonderful grade to teach because I help prepare my students in receiving their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The excitement felt throughout the year as they get closer and closer to Jesus is contagious! Through writing in their "Dear God" journals, attending weekly all school masses with their 8th grade prayer partners, role playing parables, and learning the parts of the mass, helps them gain a deeper relationship with Jesus. Our class mascot is Flat Froggy because after all, "FROG" stands for "Fully Rely On God!" who goes on an adventure every weekend with a student and their family!
Math is full of learning new concepts such as regrouping two and three digit numbers with addition and subtraction as well as working on their problem solving skills, geometry, measurement and fractions. We use a program called Sadlier math
Our language arts program uses a program called Reading Horizons which aligns with the science of reading. We also incorporate many literature based books to learn valuable vocabulary and comprehension skills. I work closely with each student to develop their reading and writing skills so they can become confident in their abilities. In the spring, we participate in a beloved "Fairy Tales in the Round" program for our families and younger classmates. This creative, exciting unit allows students to learn about the characteristics that make a story a fairy tale and after reading many different versions of fairy tales, they get to choose a character from a fairy tale and retell the story from that character's point of view. They even get to "shine" on stage as they dress up as that character, speak on a microphone as they perform a little skit and sing a group song! Story time Reader on Friday mornings is a wonderful way for parents or grandparents to read their favorite books to our class.
Science and Social Studies takes us around the world as we learn about the culture, geography, habitats and weather in each continent. We even use a passport and often have inflight snacks that represent a country from that continent. It's fun when parents come in and share their travel experience with us as well. Learning about history through our Toy Time Line is a favorite too!
I am blessed to have a job that I absolutely love to come to everyday! Each and everyone of my students leave a permanent mark on my heart. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your children!