TEACHER'S CORNER: HUGS, HANDSHAKES LEAD TO LEARNING AT KELSO C-7

Hugs and handshakes lead to learning in Carie Beth Boswell's first-grade classroom.

Boswell teaches at Kelso C-7 Elementary School in New Hamburg. This is her third year in the classroom.

"I try to create the most positive environment possible," Boswell explained. "Lots of praising, hugging, smiling, handshaking and encouraging happens every day between myself and the students, and between the students themselves. Our motto is `I can. We can.'

"I believe every child can learn and every child is good at something," Boswell said. "My job is to find that something, focus on it, and build from there to form a positive person who loves to learn."

Young children learn best by doing, Boswell said. So in her classroom, students are doing something all the time.

"Every subject is taught along with a manipulative or interactive activity of some kind," she said. "Busy hands and minds are learning every minute."

First-graders often tell tales about parents, siblings and other family members, Boswell said.

"I've told several parents at conference time, `I won't believe everything your child says about you if you won't believe everything your child says about me.' That is usually enough said."

Boswell chose to become a teacher because of the positive influence of her own first-grade teacher.

"From that year on my favorite game was to play school. I, of course, was the teacher. Then during my high school years, I helped a friend teach four- and five-year-olds' Sunday School. This helped me make my decision about what I would be when I grew up."

Boswell said her decision has been a good one.

"The most gratifying part of my job is witnessing the confidence a child develops as he or she `gets it,' especially when reading or doing math," she said. "That makes me feel like I am doing my job -- helping someone learn and feel good about himself or herself."

Boswell holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.

She and her husband, John, live in Scott City. She enjoys reading and spending time outside with her two labrador retrievers, Jake and Maggie.

She is a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton and AEYC of Southeast Missouri.