TEACHER'S CORNER: TEACHER MAKES CLASS LIVELY EVENT

Lively is her name and her life.

Marilyn Lively is the mother of six grown children who attained her education degree while the kids were still at home. Once she completed that degree, she maintained her high activity level by becoming a first-grade teacher at St. Vincent de Paul School.

"I love children and enjoy being with them," was the 18-year teaching veteran's simple explanation for her decision to become a teacher. "I wanted a vocation, not just a job."

Lively said she incorporates fun activities into her class instruction to keep students interested. For example, cupcake-making parties each month are a fun way to celebrate birthdays while teaching students to follow directions, take turns, share, and develop math skills, she said.

"As a first-grade teacher, I strive to have the incoming students bond as a class as quickly as possible," she said. "I stress cooperative activities and a working atmosphere in the classroom."

The encounters between her family and her students are some of the memorable events for Lively. Students got a good laugh the day her son Scott, who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall, visited the class, because they "liked the idea of their teacher appearing short like they were," she said.

There was also the time the Lively clan "invaded" their mother's classroom to celebrate her 50th birthday. "When my students arrived, they didn't understand the significance of all the black decorations or the wheelchair in place for their 'old' teacher," she said with a laugh.

Lively said her educational experiences are gratifying in many ways. Not only is there the thrill she gets as she watches students gain ability as readers and mathematicians, but she also enjoys the religious aspect of her job.

"In addition to reading and math progress, I enjoy sharing my faith and love of God and the power of prayer with the young Christians that I teach," she said. "Parents are excited about (their children's education), and each year I am privileged to enter into their excitement."