 | | Mary after a hard day's work! |
I have taught at Barton since fall of 2006. I have a bachelor degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Thomas University. I teach a 2/3/4 class at Barton Open School. We have blended the three grades and are teaching at Barton using the Literature Circles, Book Clubs and piloting a new math program for the district this fall. We are also using the district foss kits in science at all three grade levels and the Lucy Calkins Writer's Workshop curriculum to teach writing. We are busy everyday and try to blend curriculum areas throughout the day rather than teach a subject in isolation. The Responsive Classroom is a huge focus for us in our classroom and we spend 20 minutes daily in morning meeting where we greet each other and play fun activities.
I have been teaching for almost 30 years in public school. My goals are that all students feel safe, happy and are treating everyone with respect and compassion while we are learning. I have a passion for reading and try to share my love of books with all students, helping them pick challenging enough material without frustrating them beyond their decoding and comprehension skills. I found math somewhat intimidating in elementary school and work to build a good foundation of math concepts with my students and try to help students avoid some of the gaps I experienced myself in my early years. My classroom is comfortable and relaxed and offers many different opportunities for learning including pairs, small groups and individual options. Student choices are offered throughout the day helping students grow with their decision-making. One of the highlights of our day is eating lunch in our room with the lights off and our tree lights and camping lights on while we eat at tables and the floor.
The best way to contact me is by e-mail at mary.swenson@mpls.k12.mn.us You may also call my school voice mail at 612-692-0598 I check my e-mail at school and at home several times a day and will be happy to respond to questions during nights and weekends. Feel free to e-mail or call anytime.
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