TEACHER'S CORNER: TEACHER UNCOVERS STUDENTS' INDIVIDUALITY IN ART

For Linda James, the school is her classroom at West Lane Elementary School in Jackson.

As elementary art teacher, James takes her traveling show from room to room.

"Art provides an opportunity to bring out the individuality of each student," James said, "and seeing the results of creative problem solving."

She has taught in the Jackson R-2 School District for 19 years. She was at Chaffee for six years before that.

James said she likes to create humor in the classroom.

"I ask the students the meaning of art terms or supplies," she said.

"For example, when teaching a unit in printmaking, I asked for the definition of `brayer.'

"The answer, seriously given, was a donkey that makes a noise."

On another occasion, the definition of `still life' was offered.

"A dead picture," was the answer given.

James' college career was interrupted after two years when she went with her husband, Larry, to Pensacola, Fla., where he served four years of Naval active duty.

She returned to Cape Girardeau and completed her art degree at Southeast Missouri State University. "Only this time," she said, "as a wife and mother of the 3-year-old daughter, Sandy."

In her spare time, James likes camping, shopping, and reading the newspaper.

"I also enjoy visiting my now-married daughter and three terrific grandchildren," she said.