Hello and Welcome!

Many years ago a student came to me with an idea for my website. "You should put up a fun interview that tells who you are!" The student interviewed me on many different occasions and now we have a creative format for  students to learn all about me that is updated yearly or as responses change. Enjoy!

What is your name? Paula L. Larkin

What is your occupation? 5th Grade Teacher, this is my 10th year teaching.

What do you teach? I am teaching Science to all 5th graders and Social Studies to my homeroom class this year.  But remember, Math and ELA are connected to everything.  Math and Science are best friends, and no subject can be completed without reading.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Oneonta State with my Bachlor's Degree in Childhood and Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Science.  I also have a Master's Degree from SUNY Cortland in Childhood Education with a concentration in Math and Science.

What is your favorite subject? Science, you can explore and investigate in ways that can take you out of this world, literally if you are talking about space!

What is your favorite animal? Turtles and tortoises.

Speaking of animals, what pets do you have? I have two cats.  One is named Lynx (although my husband spells it Link similar to the Zelda videogame and the other is Diesel, who now goes by Peep, since that is the sound she makes.

What is your favorite sport? Soccer.  I could play, watch, or coach soccer all day.

What other extra curricular activities are you a part of? I am an MPS Student Council Advisor with Mrs. Goux and I work with Mrs. Marsh in the school garden.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy reading, writing, gardening, camping, playing sports, hiking, and traveling.

I did not hear any music in that list.  I am not musically inclined. I will listen to just about anything, but can not sing or play an instrument.

Alright, but if you could play something, what would you pick? Trumpet.

You mentioned traveling. What is your favorite place to visit? Ireland, Colorado, and Alaska are the best adventures I have ever been on.  Mountains and green hills call to me.  I am a frequent visitor at the Charles E. Baker Brookfield State Lands.  I walk there every other day.

What is your favorite food? Homemade grilled salmon with a cranberry-orange glaze.  Add a side of grilled fresh green beans with garlic and pepper and you have the best meal ever!

Your favorite drink? Water has become my favorite.  I have a few waterbottles in the classroom with me all day everyday.

Do you have a favorite candy? Peanut Butter Chocolate covered anything!  Or Cadbury caramels. :)

Sticking with favorites what is your favorite book? I have more than one. From authors for children I love Snot Stew by Bill Wallace, and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. While reading at home, I will read anything by John Grisham, Tess Gerritsen, or Kathy Reichs.  These books all contain a mystery or secret.

Favorite song? "Different People" by No Doubt.  The song acknowledges that no two people, even sisters, are the same, but there is no reason not to get along.

When did you decide to be a teacher? While growing up my younger brother and younger sister were subjected to my early teacher days.  They were the students and I was their teacher.  I would have them fill out all sorts of worksheets and complete problems from old workbooks.  Little did I know then that thankfully teaching involves more than worksheets and workbooks.  Then, in tenth grade, I had a taste of real teaching. At my high school, Sherburne-Earlville, students were assigned to shadow an occupation of their choice and I chose my 4th grade  science teacher. I planned and conducted a lesson about blubber to her 4th graders and it was the coolest thing I had ever done!  Since then I have done everything in my power to motivate student learning and excitement through active teaching.

Okay, so then what number do you like? 5.  There are 5 people in my family.  I wore the #5 jersey while playing soccer and basketball in high school.  5 can be both even and odd (multiples).  The number itself has straight lines and curves.

Color? Green, all shades of green.  Green leaves, grass, hillsides, mountains, mossy rock walls.  Green makes the brilliant colors of flowers pop and come alive.

Let's talk family. Who is in your family? My parents, one younger brother, one younger sister, and my husband.

What about kids? I have 60 children daily and am expecting my first child in November!

Mrs. Larkin