Teacher Audrey Stoudemire and Paraprofessional Ann Pitts’ Frog Classroom have engaged in many fall-themed learning activities.
Pitts read Inch by Inch to students in a small group session written and illustrated by Leo Lionni. In the story, a little green inchworm who loves to measure everything measures many different animals, including a robin’s tail, a flamingo’s neck, and an entire hummingbird!
After reading the story, each student picked one item to measure in inches using a ruler with Pitts. Some of the items were a pen, a pencil, and a glue stick.
When the students successfully measured their selected items, they chose between a red, yellow, or green paper apple, and Pitts wrote their name on their chosen apple. Then, they went into the hallway to measure how tall the students were using their apples. Most students were seven, eight, or nine apples high. Pitts placed each student’s apple on their class apple tree so the students could compare how tall they were with their friends.
In another small group activity with Stoudemire, students learned how heavier objects sink in water and lighter objects float. In a small container filled with water, Stoudemire showed students that apples sink to the bottom. Then, she asked students to travel around the classroom to select one item they could fit in the palm of their hand. When students placed their items in the water, they realized because they were very light in weight, their objects floated.
Other activities the Frog Classroom completed were fallthemed art projects with paper and glue, and some students worked together to complete puzzles.
Stoudemire has taught for 30 years at Jones County Pre-K, with this year being her last.
“It has been a journey, and I have enjoyed it. It has changed a lot since I started, but you have to have a love and passion for it. You meet students where they are when they come through the door and treat them with love and kindness,” Stoudemire said.
She has been married for 26 years and has two young adult daughters. Outside of school, she enjoys being in nature because it is peaceful and serene.
Stoudemire thoroughly enjoys working with children.
“Children are the foundation. It starts and begins with them, so I want to help build upon their skills so they will move on to the next grade level with a strong foundation,” the teacher said.
Stoudemire says the most rewarding aspect of teaching is when students’ light bulbs go off, and they finally grasp a concept. The teacher encourages students to be kind and thankful and to know they are blessed.
Before becoming a paraprofessional in the Jones County School System for the past seven years, Pitts taught in the Bibb County School System for fortyfive years.
She enjoys reading, gardening, and sitting in her yard with a warm cup of coffee while listening to the birds chirp. Above all, Pitts loves to surround herself with family.
While Pitts chose not to have children of her own, she says she became an educator because of her immense love of children.
“I feel I can share my love with kids. I like the Pre-K age of four because I can help shape and mold them,” Pitts said.
Pitts has helped teach students in the Frog Classroom to share, get along, work together, listen, and be respectful. She reminds students, “Be kind to others, and they will be kind to you.”
When asked what the most rewarding aspect of being an educator is, Pitts shared that when her mother was sick, everywhere she went, from the doctor’s office to the hospital, she realized she had taught someone there.
“I have kids all over, lawyers and judges. They recognize me, and I recognize them. It’s how you treat them. They may not remember your name, but they remember how you treat them,” Pitts said.
With activities, laughter, and learning, Stoudemire and Pitts work together to create a positive learning environment for students in the Frog Classroom.
