TEACHER'S CORNER: JACKSON STUDENTS LEARNING FROM DRAMATIC DISCOVERIES

JACKSON -- Junior high students make dramatic discoveries in self-identity, says teacher Tim Mirly.

Students in his classes at St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson were filled with dramatic entrances and lines when they performed a skit during National Lutheran Schools Week.

The seventh and eighth grade students shared a chapel service message at St. John's Church in Chester, Ill., during National Lutheran Schools Week.

"Our group of actors brought to life one of the teachings of Jesus, bringing truths in the parable to light in new ways," Mirly said.

The students portrayed the parable of the sower, which included parts like a farmer, rocks, birds, choking weeds, sun, rain and good, productive plants.

In addition to teaching math and grammar, Mirly teaches computer classes at the school.

Since October, the school has had Internet access and students have been using it more than expected, Mirly said.

"Its greatest use has been for easy access to multitudes of information for research," he said. "It has also been used to communicate via e-mail."

Computer technology -- at least through virtual reality experiences -- have been part of the school's recent field trips. Other activities included a trip to the SEMO District Fair for a research project and to Horseshoe Pines for a lesson on tree farming, livestock and a horse-drawn wagon ride.

The trips are educational and memorable, Mirly said.

"The most gratifying thing is seeing students discover new things about themselves," he said. "Whether it's through academics, sports or social interaction, junior high students make dramatic discoveries in self-identity."

Mirly has been a teacher for nine years; he also serves as the athletic director and basketball coach at St. Paul Lutheran School.

He is a graduate of Concordia University in River Forest, Ill.