FIRST-GRADERS RAP THE ADDITION FACTS

JACKSON -- First-graders at St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson love to rap the addition facts, says their teacher, Judy Franke.

"We say rhymes, jingles and songs to remember things," Franke said. "While teaching, I like to sit with the children either on a little chair or on the floor."

Teaching first-graders leads to many interesting events, Franke said. "Their imaginations, plus having so many new experiences in school, keep 6- and 7-year-olds enthused."

Franke tries to build on that enthusiasm.

"One little boy's imaginary friend -- a pet mouse -- was so real to him that we had to capture the mouse's antics by having the boy write stories about him," she said. "Another child was so excited to be reading that when he took his first primer home he told his parents that he had to read the whole book or not read any of it.

"The excitement of reading those first stories when they are so proud and a little surprised at themselves is still a thrill for me, too," she said. "Their hugs make each day special.

"I guess I always wanted to teach -- and still do."

Franke has been teaching for 11 years. Mostly she has taught in primary grades, but has done a stint teaching seventh- and eighth-grade language arts.

She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and a member of ADK, the international teachers honorary sorority.

She is married to Al Franke and has three children -- Staci, a student at the University of Missouri; Tiffany, a student at Southeast Missouri State University; and Marc, a senior at Jackson High School.

In addition to teaching, Franke enjoys reading, spending time with her family, cooking and crafts.