Welcome to Ms. Chandler's
home page
Social Studies
Check back here for links to various helpful websites, and to find additional information to the facts we'll be studying in class.
At the History Alive Website, you will find online information about the eras and events we are studying in class, as well as projects that you might be interested in pursuing on your own.
PBS- History Detectives - Again, many types of information here. Check the list of eras on the right, and check out the many questions shown.
Language Arts
In teaching Language Arts we use many methods and ideas from Nancie Atwell, a fabulously inspiring teacher and author who runs a private school in Maine. Her books In the Middle, Lessons That Change Writers, and The Reading Zone, as well as others, have very much shaped the way in which I teach writing and reading today.
One of her main beliefs is that we must find ways to make both reading and writing more engaging for students. Part of this comes from letting students read books of their choosing.Students share what they get out of their reading, both with me, and with other students. This happens through book talks, as well as letter/essays that they submit on a regular basis. In addition, I regularly check in with what students are reading during in class silent reading time.
Nancie teaches at the Center for Teaching and Learning, and her students regularly submit book recommendations that students and parents may find helpful.
In writing we study a variety of genres, including memoir, essays, poetry, and short stories. Much of this comes from studying good writing, analyzing it, and using what we learn in our own writing.
A little about me
This is my seventh year as a teacher, and I have spent all of that time at WMS. I taught 6th grade block for five years, and have also taught health, P.E., and math. This is my second year teaching 8th grade block, and I'm thrilled to be teaching American History again.
I am also the director of the annual school play, and the advisor to the diversity club.
I received my BA from The Evergreen State College, and both my K-8 teaching certificate and my Master's Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks Northwest. In 2007 I finished my Professional Certification through Evergreen.
I'm very busy outside of school as I serve on the Board of Directors of The Olympia Food Co-op, and am the managing director of The Olympia Family Theater.