Meet the CCSD Teacher: Annie King of Hickory Flat ES!

Our amazing teachers are Elevating The Excellence in our schools … and every week, you’ll get to know one of them better through a Q&A posted here. #CCSDElevateTheExcellence

Annie King
Hickory Flat Elementary School 
Second-grade teacher 

What’s the most innovative idea that you’ve tried in your classroom? 
This year, I’m trying something new called “tea time” with my English Learner students.  We sit together once a week to have “tea” while I facilitate a brief conversation around a specific topic that has strong vocabulary.  I think it’s important that we make the time to simply talk with our students, especially our English Learner kids. 
Who is the best teacher you ever had and what made him or her special?
I have had so many amazing teachers, but my second-grade teacher, Ms. McGiboney, really stands out!  I remember her taking me and another friend out to dinner for pizza to celebrate winning a reading contest.  She built relationships and always made her students feel special. 
What can parents do to prepare their children for learning?
Along with reading, playing games with your children is so important.  Model how to share, take turns, and most importantly, show them how to be a good loser and gracious winner.  Collaborating with peers in the classroom enhances learning, but learning how to treat others begins at home. 
What are the obstacles to getting all kids to achieve?
Learning and understanding what motivates each child can be hard.  Each child is motivated differently, so to provide the motivation needed for each child to reach their highest potential is challenging.