About Me

Submitted by Paula Schwikkard on Thu, 26/08/2010 - 12:36pm
Paula Schwikkard
 
I received my Diploma in Higher Education after four years of specialised training in the junior school area. Since moving to New Zealand in 2002, I have studied further and received my Bachelor of Teaching Degree. I have considerable experience in the teaching of junior children and have taught in mainstream classes as well as in Special Education. 
 
I believe that children bring with them into the classroom: experiences, values, needs, their own uniqueness, abilities and beliefs which reflect on their attitude to learning. I endeavour to empower my students to respond in ways that will enable them to enhance and improve their own learning. To this end, I provide a warm, caring, secure and stimulating environment where partnerships are developed between the student, the teacher and parents/caregivers. I also ensure that I am up to date in the latest teaching and learning practices through attending courses, discussions with a number of teachers from different schools and professional reading.
 
My interests include family and friends, cultural productions, travel, gardening and flower arranging. Sport plays a huge part in my life, in particular, tennis. I am an avid supporter of many other sprorts and also follow my own children’s sporting activities very closely. I am also involved in our school sport.