TEACHER'S CORNER: NELL HOLCOMB INSTRUCTOR KNOWS KINDERGARTEN

Charlotte Edwards knows kindergarten at Nell Holcomb R-4 School better than anyone.

That's because she started the program there in 1976.

"I have happily been in that position ever since," Edwards said. She has never taught another grade.

"The advantages and rewards for the students and teacher in a kindergarten program are many," Edwards said.

"Time is available for individual tutoring whether the student progresses at a fast, average, or slow pace.

"Weekly trips to the library, extended reading classes and special activities such as a Thanksgiving feast with costumes are all a part of our kindergarten program."

Edwards received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master's degree in early childhood education at Southeast.

Edwards recalls an experience a few years ago on Grandparents Day.

"We had a special visitor from the university who handles snakes," she said. "Grandpas and grandmas were watching the snakes being placed in the children's hands and on their shoulders. One child said, `Grandma, I told you kindergarten was fun!'"

Another time the class was getting ready for Back to School Night. "We proudly displayed our workbooks, art work and special science projects," Edwards said. "I commented, `How nice our room looks.' One little boy said, ~`It looks just like a garage sale in here.'"

Edwards lives with her husband, John. They have two sons, Nathan, a sixth-grader, and Jonathan, a third-grader.

In her spare time, she enjoys participating in sports, especially golf. She also likes to watch her sons in their sports activities.