Page 10 April 2014 Hopi teacher brings the love of learning to her kindergarten classroom By Kathleen Shipman Hopi Elementary teacher Livia Rice sees the importance of her role as a Kindergarten teacher. With her students just beginning their path of education in her classroom, Rice believes in making sure that their first experiences are full of positivity, especially when it comes to reading. It is because of Rice’s joyous attitude and desire to make learning fun that she was nominated by her student Bradley Resnick and his mother Amanda for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love Award. “Livia is an amazing teacher and a wonderful person full of personality. We are so lucky to have her,” said Amanda. Entering Kindergarten is a big step in a child’s life, which is why Rice views her job as a teacher with having great significance. “You’re setting up their educational foundation, and it’s a really big responsibility,” said Rice. “You are the one getting them motivated and excited about learning.” Teaching children to learn to read is the main reason Rice chose to become a Kindergarten teacher. Having a passion for reading herself, Rice enjoys making the children’s introduction into the subject most memorable. When this Kindergarten teacher reads to her students, she does so with great enthusiasm. The children are fully engaged in Rice’s stories with her ability to use funny voices and bring the characters to life. “My favorite thing that I try to do the most is read to them,” said Rice. “We really want to teach them the fun in reading and be the models for fluency.” Reading isn’t the only subject that Rice makes enjoyable in her classroom. In fact, it is her teaching philosophy. “The key to it is getting them to learn in a way that’s fun,” said Rice. The students in this Hopi Elementary class thrive off of their teacher’s cheerful presence and talent for making education exciting. Rice creates activities for the students where they believe they are only playing games, when in reality they are divulging into the world of learning. This type of environment has been greatly effective on the children, who enjoy coming to school every day. “Her energy radiates through the room. Her students are like sponges for her knowledge and wisdom,” said Amanda. Bradley is one of the Kindergarten students that Rice has instilled the love of learning , a reason that he felt his teacher deserved to receive the Arcadia News Teachers We Love Award. “I love my teacher, she is fun,” said Bradley. Teachers chosen for the Arcadia News Teachers We Love award receive a $125 gift certificate to Salon Sandoval, dinner for two at The Henry and an invitation to an end of the year luncheon for the year’s winners. Ms. Rice has been teaching for 17 years, the last 7 at Hopi. Teacher of the Month Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Foreign Language • Cutting Edge Technology Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Please join us for our next Open House on april 11 from 9:00Am – 1:00pm. Visit our website for information on our summer Preschool progr am. 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8 Applications are being accepted for the 2014-2015 school year. 2013 azcentral highlights Imagine That as “catering to kids’ interest in metro Phoenix.” The kindergartners are all learning to love learning. Nomination Form Online: arcadiadaily.com/teachers.pdf

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