TEACHER'S CORNER: WANDA BORUM NURTURES THE LOVE OF READING EARLY AT ORCHARD ELEMENTARY

JACKSON -- Children are never too young for good literature, says Wanda Borum, first grade teacher at Orchard Drive Elementary School in Jackson.

Teaching the fundamentals of reading is necessary, but introducing children to books that spark their interest is the key to good reading.

Borum mixes award-winning books, poetry and selections of interest to youngsters as she encourages their reading habit.

"I try to get them interested in good literature so they will be interested in reading," she said.

Teaching youngsters to read is the best part of her job. "Seeing first graders realize for the first time that they can read is most gratifying," said Borum. "Watching their eyes light up and their excitement is a very satisfying experience."

So Borum does what she can to encourage students to read.

She rounds up books written for beginning readers on subjects that interest her students.

"My boys are really in a dinosaur and reptile phase right now. I try to find books like that in the library for them to read.

Borum has been teaching 32 years, 29 of those years in Jackson. She earned a bachelors degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University.

"When I was in high school I had an opportunity to help in a first grade at Franklin school. After that experience, I decided to become a teacher."

Reading tops the list of Borum's own hobbies, which also include latch hook needle work, calligraphy and cooking.

She enjoys Southeast Missouri State University basketball and Cardinal baseball.

Borum is a member of ADK educator's society, St. Mark's OES, and the First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. She has two children, David and Cindy.