Welcome to Ms. Potter's Page
by Becky Potter
Room: D109
Phone: (785) 883-2996 Ext. 1207
Email: bpotter@usd289.net
I believe that every child has a right to the opportunity to learn. My purpose is to guide that learning, helping each child to progress as far as possible. With that goal in mind, I will seek to clear misunderstandings, improve math skills, and remove the fear of math and replace it with the joy of understanding how numbers work together.
Enjoyment of math depends upon understanding how numbers work together and the ease with which that understanding is applied. If you want to be a great soccer player, you have to understand the rules, apply the strategies effectively, and practice--practice--practice! It's the same with math -- or any other skill you want to learn!
I believe that every child can learn and deserves the opportunity to do so. My mission is to enable each of my students to learn the skills and concepts needed to be successful in school and beyond. Along the way, I hope to inspire a love of learning that will last throughout their lives.
This year in fourth grade, we will learn about the states and regions of The United States. We will improve and extend reading skills and communication skills. Math will emphasize more advanced multiplication and division as well as expanding problem-solving skills and deepening the understanding of number sense and algebraic concepts. Science classes will include more complex investigations in areas of life science, physical science, and earth and space science.
Fourth grade has planned two field trips. A visit to EarthWorks is planned in November and is related to life science. In May we plan to tour the State Capitol in Topeka to compliment our study of state government. While we are there, we will visit the Kansas Historical Museum to enhance our understanding of Kansas history.
My teaching career began in August of 1973. In my 39 years in the classroom, I have taught first grade, third grade, fourth grade, special education, and Title 1 math classes in four different communities in two states. I achieved National Board Certification in 2002 and a renewal this year. I was Kansas State Finalist in science for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2006. I earned my Master of Science in Education degree from KU in 2009.
