6th
       Grade

Miss Yonkman

1.       1. What is your favorite animal and why?

    My favorite animal is a dog! I love each and every single one I’ve ever come into contact with, and that is not an exaggeration!  Dogs are my favorite animal because they are adorable, loyal, and lovable (if placed in a safe and happy environment, anyway).  Also, dogs are somehow able to find happiness in very simple things, and I really enjoy that about them; “A cookie? Yay! A squirrel?  Yay! Yay!” 
  My dog is named Kassie and she is my little peanut. She brings so much joy into my life, and I feel very lucky that she is mine. If you have a dog, bring him or her to my room.  Soon. J

1.       2. Favorite subject while in school? Why?

   My favorite subject in school is English Language Arts.  I’ve always loved to read and write (and everything in between), and I love the interconnection between all of the facets of this subject area.  I am interested in people and their ideas, and I love seeing the various, clever ways in which they communicate them.
    Also, I enjoy the fact that a person can naturally improve on their skills throughout their lives based on experiences inside and outside of literature and text.

1.       3. What do you enjoy most about being a 6^th grade teacher?

   Sixth-graders are great! I’ve always enjoyed working with middle school kiddos because of their level of thought and reasoning.  Sixth-grade is such a turning point for kids because they are leaving the safety of elementary and are headed to middle school, where expectations and responsibilities begin to grow. I feel very blessed to be a part of this critical time in a student’s life. 

1.       4. What are some things you enjoy in your free time?

   In my free time, I enjoy spending time with those I love the most. However, I also like to read, write, play and cuddle with my dog Kassie, drink good coffee, laugh, take naps, go to the beach, listen to music, and blog.  Oh, and I’ve become a big fan of doing crossword puzzles as of late!

1.       5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

   Honestly, my ideal place to live would be anywhere in the world my favorite people reside.  I really love living in the Grand Rapids area, though!

1.       6. What do you find is one of the hardest things about being a teacher?

   Growing close relationships and community with a group of kiddos, and then having to say good-bye to them in May.  I know that I’ll see them the following year here at CTA, but it’s different when they’re not my students anymore. I grow incredibly attached to nearly every child who spends a year in my room; I cannot help it.

1.       7. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

   This is such a difficult question because I am such a “live-in-the-moment” type of person; It’s rare that I think that many years ahead.  My only hope is that I’m happy, healthy, and surrounded with those I love most.

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