At Paschall Elementary in the Judson Independent School District, Eric Smith plays a special role. As a Pre-k teacher, he is the first teacher most students will experience. He is committed to starting his young students off on their academic life with a love for learning.
The pre-K students at Paschall elementary in the Judson Independent School District are learning about the life cycle of a butterfly.
"What does metamorphosis mean? Does anybody remember that?" Eric Smith asks his 4 and 5 year old students. Metamorphosis is a pretty big word for these little students.
"When we say metamorphosis we're talking about change," Smith explains.
These pre-k students have gone through their own metamorphosis this year under the guidance of Eric Smith.
"I always listen to the teacher and I zip it," said five year old Chistyn Roberts as she gestures to her mouth.
"My main goal is we want to be lifelong learners. As they leave here and move on to kindergarten they can continue and continue learning. I am hoping they build on the building blocks they learn here," said Smith.
In addition to pre-K students, Smith also works with older students. he started a journalism club for 4th graders.
The students actually write the school newsletter.
"We get to interview people and it's fun," said fourth grader Taylor Oliver.
"It's fun because we get to express how we feel and our opinions," said fellow fourth grader Ava Chavin.
"My writing helped me get scholarships in college. Writing is an important tool that we all need and this journalism club shows these kids how they can write in different ways. It's been such a rewarding experience working with these kids. They put so much effort into their writing," said Smith.
Eric smith has landed right where he feels he should be. He's encouraging students to spread their wings and fly.
"I come to work every day happy, happy to be with these kids," said Smith.
