Online Adventures

April 1, 2020 | Ms. Jonker

Last week I asked the Adventurous cohort what they missed most about normal school days. They expressed a desire to be back in the normal structure and flow of the school day, and, of course, they mentioned Capture the Flag, but the resounding wish was to be back with friends and others their own ages.

The students miss joking with one another, chatting with one another, and working with one another.

Technology is amazing, but as you are all well aware, it’s a massive learning curve for everyone involved. Google Chat is no replacement for an actual conversation, and as helpful as “screen-sharing” is, it’s just not the same.

But these students are so resilient and so tech-y and really, from my perspective, very adaptable!

They’ve had morning meetings. This morning we even tried “breakout rooms” where the students go have a small group meeting and then re-join the large meeting.

They’ve used videos and video-chatting to respond and teach. Below is a snapshot of a video call during which Ashley taught me the meaning of the word “ambush.”

I am also impressed with their quickly-improving email skills! Ask your child about the email challenge I put to them at our Monday meeting this week.

We are staying positive and doing our best! And we are still working on our group photo-taking skills…

Kat Jonker

Teacher, Grades 4

Kat Jonker is energized by how passionately Mustard Seed School nurtures each student to blossom into the person God has made them to be. She’s honored to teach and learn beside the fourth and fifth grade students here.

Ms. Jonker’s always been surrounded and inspired by dedicated teachers--including her mother! When she began teaching private violin lessons as a high school student, Ms. Jonker began to think about teaching as a career. Soon she realized her passion for teaching and learning as an Elementary Education with an integrated science major at Calvin College. There she flourished as an assistant teacher at Calvin’s middle school chemistry camp. She also led elementary nature programs at Calvin’s ecosystem preserve.

Music remains one of Ms. Jonkers passions and you’ll sometimes get to hear her playing in worship. She’s an avid violin player and spent a disproportionately large amount of her college life in string quartet rehearsals. She listens to music constantly and likes to keep it eclectic, so if you have any music recommendations, send them her way.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is Ms. Jonker’s home town. Through God-gifted communities of faith there, she found her roots in grace and a life of service.

Online Adventures

Kat Jonker

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