The St. Mary's Classroom

Kindergarten
Mrs. Karen Borwick
kaborwick@yahoo.com

My name is Karen Borwick- "Mrs. B" and I am a kindergarten teacher at St. Mary’s School in St. Clair, Michigan. I have been teaching kindergarten for 21 years. I am a wife, mother, nana, teacher, reader, gardener who enjoys dining out and traveling to our cottage and to warm places. I have been married for almost 40 years and have two daughters. I also have two delightful grandchildren Noah and Jenna.

I attended Catholic grade school and an all girl Catholic high school. I then went to Eastern Michigan University where I obtained a B.A. in Elementary Education and furthered my studies at Wayne State University where I received 18 additional hours in Early Childhood. When I first graduated from college, I taught in Farmington Schools. I then started my own family and was fortunate to be able to be a “stay-at-home” mom until my youngest began fourth grade and we relocated to St. Clair from St. Clair Shores.

Being a teacher has allowed me to laugh, keep young at heart and spend many hours with kindergarten children. How many people can wear their pajamas or a “100 day” sweatshirt to school and still get paid? I am one of the lucky ones to be able to call themselves a kindergarten teacher.

My philosophy is that each child is unique and has their own learning style. I try to provide opportunities and experiences where each child may demonstrate success, reach his/her full potential and be enthusiastic about learning. I try to provide an environment that is nurtured and supportive. I believe that teachers and parents need to work together to help each child be the best, he/she can be.

My curriculum is based on individual development and various learning styles through a literature based learning approach which includes phonics, introduction to reading and comprehensive skills. Whenever possible, I integrate learning across the curriculum. I am basically a hands-on teacher. Besides the math, science, handwriting and social studies, Religion is one of the most important parts of our curriculum. Daily prayer, Bible stories, and opportunities to help others, learning to be kind, sharing with others are some of the methods to help children grow in their relationship with God. The Catholic faith is taught and modeled at St. Mary’s School.

Children are also introduced to Spanish, Art, Music, Computers, Library and Physical Education. The children really like these specialized programs.

I believe that I can make a positive difference for each student each day. The day teaching isn’t fun is the day I’ll retire and find a new career. Until then, I will continue to laugh, learn and love each child as my own!