TEACHER'S CORNER: LOST SALAMANDER PROMPTS STUDENTS' SEARCH SKILLS

CHAFFEE -- Tasha Pratt likes nature and her students like her. So they often bring various creatures to her classroom as a gift.

Pratt teaches third and fourth grades at St. Ambrose Catholic School in Chaffee.

"I had a student bring in a salamander, which he assured me would not escape from the plastic container that so carefully housed it," Pratt said.

But the following day, the salamander had escaped. "This launched an all-out search sending 16 junior Sherlocks to scour the room, turning up nothing," she said.

But when Pratt sends her students on a search for evidence of peace and nonviolence in the world, they don't come back empty handed.

"The most common thread that is found within my lessons is the impression made upon the children of peace and nonviolence in our society," she said, adding that the students are enthusiastic about the projects.

"They have enjoyed using the Southeast Missourian newspaper in their search for articles, photographs and headlines pertaining to peace," she said. "We have also read stories, made books, peace chains and have designated student `peacemakers' who search for peaceful actions of other students."

Pratt is a first-year teacher at the school. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and St. Vincent High School in Perryville.

Deciding to become a teacher was important, she said. "I wanted to instill in young children the values and morals I hold dear."

The most satisfying part of her job as a teacher is seeing the children get excited about learning, Pratt said.

"It's gratifying to see the energy and excitement that the children put into new experiences," she said.