Top Teachers
Saturday, August 22, 1998
Name: Jean Tanimoto
Age: 61
Position: Puohala Elementary School kindergarten teacher
Education: University of Hawaii
Pastimes: Crossword puzzles
Jean Tanimoto sets her teaching to music -- literally. Students keep her young
The Puohala teacher uses music and rhythmic movement as a means to get children excited about learning, to open up "the inner child" in each student. "Once they open up to music and dance, you open up other avenues," she said.
For 31 years, Tanimoto has seen students at the Kaneohe school blossom academically and individually. She encourages such success by making the learning process enjoyable. "I try to capitalize on whatever's 'in' at the time . . . like the 'Macarena.' " Tanimoto said singing, dancing and the like also aid students in information retention.
School counselor Julie Park said she admires Tanimoto's rejuvenating teaching style. "She's just very young at heart, very good with the kids . . . so full of energy and enthusiasm."
Tanimoto will need that energy Monday, as she'll be teaching Puohala's only kindergarten class this year. A lack of funds made it impossible to hire another teacher. "I hope that I can meet the needs of every child, despite having 35 children," she said.
Not that she's had a problem before. For five years, her classroom has been successfully "blended" with a mixture of special needs and mainstream kids. All are bright and eager to learn, and they keep her young, she said.
"I don't feel 61. I feel that I'm 16 years old. . . . Teaching is still fun."
By Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
