Kindergarten (KB): Ms. Patricia Stimson

I began teaching kindergarten at All Saints School in the fall of 1999. I am pleased to be a member of the All Saints community and of the staff at the Fife campus.

I received my BA in Psychology from Central Washington University in 1980. After working in business for some years, I felt called to teach children and returned to school at St. Martin’s College in Lacey. I earned my teaching certificate and finished my Masters in Teaching in 2000.

My teaching philosophy is based on current research regarding how young children learn. I believe that in the years between birth and eight years old, children develop their attitudes about themselves and learning. Therefore, early school experiences should be not only developmentally appropriate, but also encourage continued growth through the use of curriculum and instructional methods used in the classroom.

The philosophy of a developmentally appropriate environment allows for the fact that each child enters school with his/her own background and skills. Each is able to learn and function at their own level. Therefore, all children can be successful!

In my kindergarten classroom, children are involved in a variety of learning activities. I strive for a balance between adult and child initiated activities. Children are provided with opportunities to learn through exploration, experimentation, discovery, as well as some direct instruction. The base of the program emphasizes the development of language, thinking, social, and motor skills. The children also learn basic beginning reading skills, scientific processes, and basic math skills.

It is my desire to foster a real sense of purpose in our children so that they see these subjects not just as things to be done at school but also as processes that add purpose, meaning, and pleasure to their lives. My goal is to help children become lifelong learners as well as Christian people who participate and share in the love of God and community.

My home life includes my two boys, who also attend All Saints School. In our spare time we love to watch and play baseball, hike, ride bikes, and read as a family. My personal hobbies include running, biking, and reading.