Learning With Grandawn: ABC's With Your Favorite Stuffed Animal

Hello, prospective parents and guardians. My name is Dawn Behrens. I am certified in English Language Arts and Speech & Drama; I have taught ELA, theatre, art, and music; I am the author and illustrator of a children's picture book series; I am a poet and an artist. I have two sculpture pieces that have been accepted to a juried gallery exhibition for January-February, 2021. 

I love helping young people to learn and grow in positive ways. This has been important to me as a teacher and as a parent and grandparent for many years. I am especially fond of using the aspects of play-based learning and game-based learning in my courses as much as possible. 

Over the years, I have taught English (6-10), Speech & Drama (PK-10), Computer Literacy (PK-adult), Microsoft Office (6-adult), and Music (PK-10). I have taught in public schools, private schools, and online to students from PK through adults. This past year I taught Music classes to PK through 5th grade in Stillwater Public Schools, Stillwater, OK. 

I, also, have written and published a series of children’s picture books about a toy, Benjamin Boo, and his toy friends. There are four books in the series so far, and I’m working on a fifth book. Along with my formal teaching experience, I have had the joy of helping to teach my children and my three grandchildren who are now ages 11-19. 

In my courses, the students visit Grandawn (this is what my grandchildren call me) at “Grandawn’s House” where they can feel comfortable experiencing and learning various subjects. (The only thing is, I won't be able to offer any cookies. Sad face.) I teach a variety of courses because I have a diverse education and life experiences. I believe that varied and continued learning is vital to a full life. I am passionate about life skills, reading, music, writing, and theatre.

My classes will combine education and fun for a total learning environment. My goal is that your child will leave my class/visit with new knowledge, a smile, and the desire to learn more.

I can't wait!
Grandawn

CLASS EXPECTATIONS/MUTING:
I do my best to encourage participation from learners enrolled in my classes. I prefer to leave learners unmuted, but I understand that there are instances where learners need to be muted due to background noise that cannot be prevented. Parents, please feel free to mute your learners at your discretion. 

As the teacher, there are also instances where I will need to utilize the mute function. If there is background noise that may be distracting to other learners enrolled in the class, I will advise the student that they are being muted to limit the background noise. 

At the beginning of each class, I will also advise the learners of my expectations. Students are required to raise their hand and wait for their name to be called before speaking. To be respectful of all learners and to give everyone a chance to participate, it is important for students to abide by these rules.  I will use visual and verbal cues in an effort to remind young learners of these expectations. 

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SIBLINGS:
If you have more than one learner enrolled in the class, each learner that wants to participate must be enrolled to be fair to other students participating. Enrolled siblings are always welcome to share a screen during class. 

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REFUNDS & TRANSFERS:
Per Outschool's limited refund policy: "Full refund within 24 hours of purchase or up to a week in advance of the class." 

**Please ensure the time is AM or PM when signing up. I teach early mornings as well as evenings to suit all time zones and, unfortunately, I am not able to refill a spot last minute if it is realized that the time of day was mistaken or the class was missed. This is a non-refundable policy.

For one-time classes:
If, within the week, you realize you won't be able to make class, please submit a transfer request from the classroom at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures another student who would like to take the class has enough time to see the opening and enroll. 
If contacted after class, I cannot refund or transfer. I do understand personal/family emergencies come up and will do my best to support you if I am contacted before class. If your learner is withdrawn on your end within the non-refundable period, I am unable to transfer you. It is best to contact me first for your options.

Please test Zoom before class. I like to be fully present with students as soon as we begin class, and do not access my conversations or classroom comments on Outschool after the class has already started.

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RECORDINGS:
Recordings are automatically shown in the classroom at this time. It may take a little while for the recording to upload after a class.

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CLASS CANCELLATIONS:
If a class has not met the minimum number of enrollments, it is subject to being canceled. I will send a message asking if you'd like a transfer to another date & time or full refund if the class is canceled.