Hi, Jana! It’s great to have you here as part of our month-long #MGGetsReal initiative where we strive to highlight tough topics in books for kids who might need them most. Thanks so much for all you do in your 5th grade classroom to educate, befriend, and mold today’s students. Now let’s have some fun.
- Let’s start with the most important question first: Do you prefer an amusement park or the beach?
I much prefer a beach to an amusement park. I’ve never been a big fan of crazy rides that scare me or make me sick. I love splashing around in water and relaxing under an umbrella with something cold to drink and a good book. If someone is playing fun music nearby, that’s even better!
- What do you do to promote reading among your students?
Some kids love to read more than others. I love to read myself, and so I’m ALWAYS enthusiastic about the books I share with them. I make sure that I have a well-stocked library that has variety. I read books aloud and “think out loud” while I do, to point out what fascinates me in a particular story. I share my own personal reading life with kids, too.
- If you could be college roommates with any author, who would you pick and why?
If I could be college roommates with any author, I think it would be Kate Messner. She has such an awesome approach to writing and kids. She is a teacher herself and she really has a great way of tapping into what kids are thinking and she writes with an authentic voice for the middle grade audience.
- Favorite and least favorite things about being a teacher?
My favorite thing about being a teacher is getting to share great books with kids. I love reading kids’ books, and I can do it out in the open and everyone knows it’s “just part of my job” and that I’m “doing it for work.”
My least favorite part about being a teacher is, oddly enough, the first days/weeks of the year. I’m actually somewhat of a shy person, and it can be tough getting to know a new class of 25-30 different kids. It’s not just kids that are a bit nervous about meeting new people and wondering if the school year’s going to be all right. That said, once we break the ice and get to know each other, I LOVE the rest of the school year!
- If you could tag one other person (author, librarian, teacher, other) for this Five in Five, who would it be and what would you want me to ask them?
I’m not sure who I would tag since there are SO many people that I’ve become friends with on Facebook and Twitter. I’m flattered that I was tagged to answer these questions.
Aw, I feel for you on the being shy part and hoping the year will go smoothly with a new class. Hang in there and know that we’re rooting for you this fall! It’s super great to get to know you; thanks for stopping by! Happy reading, everyone.
Friends, you can find Jana in the following places:
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