- Valley View CUSD 365U
- About Me

Phone: (630) 759-7200
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
National Board Certified Adolescence and Young Adulthood (14-18+) Masters in Teaching and Learning Secondary English Education (Grades 6-12) Secondary Journalism Education (Grades 6-12) Currently Pursuing ESL certification
Mrs. Gaster
Mrs. Gaster is new to Jane Addams this year, but she has over ten years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Education for English and Journalism, a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning, and a National Board Certification. She is also currently working to obtain her English as a Second Language certification. She will do her very best to give your child the tools they need to successfully master the 7th grade English Language Arts skills this year.
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3 benefits of independent reading—and how to make it work in your classroom
We independently read every day in ELA. As this 2017 article will show you, it has real benefits beyond just ELA for your child. To view the article on the web, click here:
https://www.educationdive.com/spons/3-benefits-of-independent-readingand-how-to-make-it-work-in-your-classroom/504563/
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Teaching Grammar in Context: Why and How?
In my class, I believe in teaching the students I have. Each year I use a variety of assessments to determine which grammar skills (conventions) students have not yet mastered that I know will impact their communication skills in the future. I do not believe in "passing the buck," but I do believe in resolving the skill deficiencies students may have. Because of this, I teach grammar in context of the unit of study. Below is a lengthy research article describing why it is important to teach grammar in context.
"Abstract—Grammar instruction is one of the most difficult issues of language teaching. Context-based grammar holds an important place for effective learning. It will be more motivating for learners if grammar is taught in context as students will have an opportunity to perceive how the new grammar structures work."
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Getting to know your child, so I can better engage them in their learning:
I spend a lot of time throughout the year getting to know your child. I do this in a number of ways both with your help and with the help of your child. There is more to teaching than tests, and there is more to your child than how well they do on tests. Below you will find some of the documents I sent home in order to gain some extra information about your child.
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Getting to Know Mrs. Gaster:
It is important to me that I bulid a classroom a trust. One way for me to do that is for students to learn about me and the expectations I have for them when they are in class. Below you will find some of the things I created and shared with them this year to help your child know more about my and this year's ELA class.