Christiansen to teach fifth grade, coach boys BB

John Christiansen says he will be prepared for his first day of teaching at New Rockford-Sheyenne Elementary. He comes to NR-S with five years of experience teaching both fifth and sixth grade at Bowbells Elementary.

If his experience has taught him anything, it is that fifth grade students have some very special characteristics. Fueled by curiosity, these young learners are quick to use their advanced communication skills and abstract thinking to make for some pretty dynamic problem-solving.

This year, Christiansen will be leading his students with many opportunities for hands-on learning. However, he won’t be alone, as he will be doing so with the help of Annette Hovey. As part of the district’s health and safety plan, previously large classes - such as the fifth grade class - have been divided into two sections. Hovey, who specializes in music instruction, will undoubtedly bring her own hands-on activities to the classroom.

When asked about the team teaching approach this year, Christiansen said that he is looking forward to the shared perspective that will go into developing imaginative lessons. Interestingly enough, he shared an experience in Bowbells in which he and the music teacher developed coinciding lessons in areas such as social studies and science.

Like most educators who implement imaginative and hands-on learning, Christiansen has a special affinity for science. This bodes well for fifth graders, who are often excelling in their memory skills and enjoy collecting, classifying and organizing specimens. But Christiansen takes hands-on learning a step further. One of his favorite science topics to teach is animal habitats. He challenges students in an assignment that integrates writing, science, art and critical thinking to design their own animal and habitat.

In terms of his own habitat, Christiansen moved to New Rockford over the summer and is slowly getting to know the community. He will find himself much more at home later this year as the basketball season gets underway. Not only is Christiansen an avid fan of the game, but he is also looking forward to serving as the assistant coach for the Rocket varsity team.

Christiansen grew up in Bowbells and attended college at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D. He enjoys coaching, attending sporting events, golfing and traveling. His most memorable trip was a family excursion to Europe where he visited the homeland of his great-great-grandfather.