Meet Anna Frenkel
“I think school really shapes everything. I try to create a community where kids are driven by what they’re interested in, which will inspire kids into their future careers to be exactly who they want to be.”
We all remember our favourite elementary school teachers and how they helped us learn. Anna Frenkel understands that our time in elementary school shapes who we become, and so tries to connect with each of her students to bring out their potential.
“I think school really shapes everything. I try to create a community where kids are driven by what they’re interested in, which will inspire kids into their future careers to be exactly who they want to be.”
Anna’s teaching style adapts to the needs of her students. Having had difficulty in math herself as a child, she understands that different students learn in different ways. “I actually love teaching math because I struggled with it, so I understand what it’s like to feel like you can’t do it.”
Being a teacher requires wholehearted belief in your students, Anna explains. “It is about being inspired and inspiring your students. It means being a support system for kids and encouraging them to continue no matter how hard they push back.”
Anna especially enjoys working with students who have difficulty focusing in class or grasping material. “When I can connect with the toughest students and see their growth, that is the greatest success of all. I love working with the kids who no one really believes in and helping them learn in their own way.”
Teaching a classful of children can be overwhelming for the teacher, and some students may get lost in the crowd. While teaching French, Anna noticed the potential learning gap in the classroom setting, and has created learning centres in the classroom to address the issue within language learning. In small groups, students choose what they want to learn, and receive opportunities for one-one-one time with the teacher.
Anna also initiated Flexible Seating, where the classroom is split up into different areas so students can sit and learn in the most comfortable ways. “Giving kids choice influences their learning ability and comfort in the classroom.”
As the school bell rings for the end of the day, Anna is satisfied in knowing that she is giving her students an education that they will use as the foundation for the rest of their lives.
Anna Frenkel is a primary school teacher teaching at a French Immersion school. She graduated from Teacher’s College at Queen’s University, and works tirelessly to inspire her students to believe that they can succeed and find what they love to do. Anna is passionate about language learning and blogs about it.
Check it out here: https://medium.com/@annagram
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Jumans of Toronto is a window into the lives and passion of Jewish young adults making their mark in the world. A 50-part series, Jumans is inspired by Humans of New York. If you’d like to recommend someone awesome to be highlighted, please send an email to adina@thehousetoronto.com.
Written by: Adina Samuels