1.) Describe the “one book” that changed everything for me as a reader.

• This is a tough question for me as there are so many great options all at different points of my life. I have always enjoyed reading or listening to books for as long as I can remember and to just pick one point would be near impossible so I have narrowed it down to 3. As a child, I remember asking to listen to stories just about every night and one that was in constant rotation was called “Trashy Town.” My parents would make it so fun by singing some sections and immersing me into stories even more. Then I learned how to read and really got into the “Diary of a wimpy kid” series. I always thought they hilarious and engaging. These books kept my ready passion alive. Then, I will bring it back to my earliest memory of a novel study. In my grade 6 class, we read the book “The Giver.” This opened my world up to deep thinking and more than just reading. I learned that books are more than just text and words, but they portray so many different elements and I am forever grateful for everyone who has introduced me to or shared a great book with me.

2.) How do I feel about reading? Explain

• As mentioned above, I have always enjoyed reading. But I took a big break from it between middle school until graduation in grade 12. I am not sure what it was, but I lost interest for those few years. It wasn’t until I moved away from home for TRU where I picked reading back up. I now love it and am continuing my reading journey. I think reading is so important for all ages, especially the younger years, as it introduces and keeps children immersed in the english language. I did some research and found that reading daily to a child from birth significantly improves language, literacy, and cognitive growth. This is also followed up with “Daily readers hear 1.4 million more words by kindergarten than non-readers, a gap that can reach over a million words, enhancing vocabulary and background knowledge.” From The Child Mind Institute.
  

3.) What types of books do I like to read?

• Personally, I love reading fictional thrillers, adventures and mysteries. Although you can also catch me occasionally reading a true crime book (More likely listening to a podcast about this though) or ancient history books.

4.) List some hobbies and things I like to do outside of school?

• My hobbies have always been games and activities. One good thing the pandemic brought me was a passion for disc golf. I love all sports and games – board games, card games, physical games, or video games. I continue to play coed volleyball and basketball through city programs and slo pitch in the summers on a local team. I am always looking for new ideas and the next new thing!

5.) Who are my favourite authors?

• A few of my favourite authors include: Stephen King, James Patterson, and Suzanne Collins.

6.) Talk about the last book I read that I really enjoyed.

• This one is a no brainer for me, Suzanne Collins is the author of The Hunger Games series and the most recent book, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” has been one of my favourite books ever. I took this book on my trip to Tanzania and I thought it would last me the whole 2 months I was there but boy was I wrong. My face was in that book for 2 days straight, having finished it within 48 hours. Needless to say, I am very excited to see the movie when it comes out later this year.

7.) Tell a little bit about what you have been doing since last semester during the winter break. How have I been spending my time?

• I have been keeping myself busy with family, friends, and activities! I went snowboarding a couple times up at the Kimberley ski hill, cross country skiing at the Kimberley and Panorama Nordic Center, as well as golfing at the indoor simulators in town!

8.) What subjects/topics do I like learning about?

• I really enjoy learning about space, the ocean, and ancient history on my own, but in life, I love learning about the people I cross paths with and what they find exciting. I think the best way to learn is from someone who has a deep understanding/liking for the topic. I feel as though anyone can learn something from everyone, and this is what I am looking forward to most in my teaching practice. I had the time of my life learning from the students and people in Tanzania as everything was new to me. I have never met anyone more happy, resourceful, and friendly than the students I had the privilege of teaching and learning alongside. Please enjoy this video of a solar system lesson where the students became the planets while learning about “orbiting,” and a few class photos of the grade (year) 6’s.

Planets orbiting sun/moon in Chang’ombe Primary School courtyard.

Year 6 Stream A class photo

Year 6 stream C class photo

9.) If I could read a book about one thing, what would it be?

• Right now, I am working on my own ability to be an effective teacher to what I think will be my style of teaching. I would read a book about teaching styles and the “Firm but Fair” teacher.