|
Teacher introduces students to education |
|
Monday, 19 October 2009 |
By KATIE HARRIS
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
BLACKFOOT - She has the little white schoolhouse complete with an old-fashioned school bell and preschoolers fill the rug in front of her with eyes fixed. To them, she is simply Ms. Penny. In actuality, she is much more. She is their first experience with formal education.
Penny Phillips, owner of Lit’l Spuds Preschool, has been teaching preschoolers in Blackfoot for the past 12 years. She admits that the whole thing, a new school, the constant flow of kids is a dream come true for her.
Phillips graduated from Blackfoot High School and then attended college in Utah. She later returned to her home town and married Scott Phillips. They now have two children, Hunter and Hallie.
“The year Hunter started school I noticed the lack of preschools in Blackfoot, so I decided to start one,” said Phillips. “At first it was just right in my basement, then my basement flooded and I knew it was either stop the school or move it.”
According to Phillips, it is when she moved her school to the downtown area that it really took off. This success led her to where she is right now.
“We built the new school two years ago. It’s just a dream come true,” said Phillips. “The kids love to walk in here and see what is new.
It’s rewarding to see their eyes light up. It is not really a job for me, it’s more like a hobby, something that I just love doing.”
Preschool teachers have the unique opportunity and responsibility to introduce children to a world of learning outside of their own homes.
They begin to learn things from letters and numbers to social skills and problem solving.
“They are like little sponges at this age. They love life and are aware of the holidays. They are interested in everything around them,”
said Phillips. “It’s a great age to teach because they have so much enthusiasm for learning.”
Phillips believes in a very hands-on approach to learning for children this age. Each lesson is intended to teach what the kids need to know to be successful later in school while still making learning fun.
“I hope they are having so much fun they don’t even realize they are learning,” said Phillips. It takes a lot of prep time outside of class and my family helps. Class time is where all the fun is, the work comes with the preparation and my husband and kids are great about helping.”
Phillips has taught over 1,000 students since she began. The first group graduated from high school last year. She has taught siblings from entire families and plans to continue teaching as long as people want a preschool.
“I just love all the kids I get to teach and I’m so appreciative of the parents that support me year after year,” said Phillips.
It is with great affection that many of Phillips students who have grown up, still simply refer to her as Ms. Penny.
**Check the Morning News every Monday for a new feature on a teacher in Bingham County. If you know of a teacher that deserves recognition, please contact the Morning News at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 785-1100.
|
|
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 20 October 2009 )
|
