EFJHS teacher combines learning, fun in classroom

Shalain Benford, a long-time teacher at East Franklin Junior High, has implemented new and fun ways to help her third-graders learn. Alongside their normal lesson plans, Benford has incorporated several hands-on activities and projects for her students.

“You might wonder if they’re actually learning anything from it – but I know they are. I see it,” Benford said.

Most recently her students were tasked with the project of building miniature homes in the fashion of the Native Americans who lived in the area. She said the twist was the students had to use objects from nature in their display.

The students also had the chance to enjoy several holiday-related projects, like “Christmas Around the World.”

“It teaches them about the different traditions we have today and where they come from all around the world,” Benford said – while incorporating the arts, handwriting and other disciplines.

Another way she infused learning with play was through Christmas trivia, with the students dividing into groups and competing to learn various holiday facts.