Biography
by Lorinda Strahm
October 13, 2006
Education
I graduated from Sabetha High School in 1975. I graduated from KU in December of 1979. I married Don Strahm in April of 1980. In the fall of 1980 I began teaching fourth grade in Bern, Kansas. I taught fourth grade for two years and third grade for one year. After three years of teaching grade school in Bern, I quit teaching to stay home for a few years with our daughters. I substitute taught for five years. I resumed my teaching career in the fall of 1990 with sixth grade at Sabetha Middle School. I taught sixth grade language arts for 16 years and am now teaching seventh grade language arts.
Language Arts
I teach seventh grade language arts which includes reading, writing, grammar, and spelling. We use the Holt Language and Holt Literature books. I use the Holt Literature book to emphasize the state standards and to teach reading strategies that will help seventh graders become more proficient readers.
I also teach seventh grade writing lab. In writing lab we emphasize writing as a process and the use of the six traits of writing. I require a graphic organizer, a rough copy, editing and revision, and a final copy on all major writing assignments for writing lab.
In reading class, we focus on teaching the state outcomes. The grade is based on three parts.The first part of reading class grade is called ATM. ATM stands for attitude, time on task, and materials. Three points per day are allowed for ATM. I require ten Accelerated Reader points in the sixth grade reading class. The AR is ten percent of the grade. The last part of the grade is based on assignments and assessments. We use these grades to see if the students are understanding the state outcomes.
Family
My husband, Don, and I have three daughters all of whom are married. Our daughters and their families all live in the northeast Kansas area so we spend quite a lot of time with our grandchildren.
Hobbies
My hobbies are children and grandchildren. It seems that they both keep us busy. I also enjoy scrapbooking and digital photography.
