TEACHER'S CORNER: WALKER DOESN'T ALLOW `I CAN'T' IN CLASSROOM

There are two words you don't hear often in Paula Walker's classroom -- "I cant."

Walker, who teaches kindergarten at Cape Christian School, likes to create a positive experience for her students. She has been teaching for 15 years.

Walker said, "I try to instill an attitude of `I'll try' in my classroom instead of the words `I can't.'"

And keeping children busy trying new things means a lot of hands-on activity. Many of her lessons are taught with games that review basic skills and concepts.

"The most gratifying aspect of my job is working with the children, teaching them new concepts and seeing excitement in their eyes as they grasp it -- whether it's learning to read, add or write their name," she said.

The same excitement Walker sees in the eyes of her students motivated her to become a teacher.

"I always knew that I wanted to work with children," she said. "Remembering all the positive school experiences I had as a child and the good teachers I had helped influence my decision to become a teacher."

But teaching the students academically is only part of Walker's goal. She also tries to teach spiritual lessons.

"I appreciate the opportunity of being able to teach in a Christian school," Walker said.

During one Bible lesson, the students were making books about the creation.

"One girl wanted to put lipstick on Eve," she said. "Another girl in the class politely spoke up and said that she didn't think they had lipstick back in those days."

Walker is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. She and her husband, Keith, attend the West Side Church of God.