Gianna Faragio, “a NES kindergarten teacher,” lives in a world of 5-year-olds.
Walking down the narrow halls and entering her classroom with the little desks and chairs that these Triton Voice reporters once sat in, the nostalgic feeling of being so young comes back.
Faragio started teaching in 2021 and was a dance teacher in Salem, NH, four years prior, she had always had the passion for being part of a young community and being able to see the growth they made.
“(Kintergartners are) like little humans who have personalities and likes and interests and they come in and they’re so little and they grow so much,” said Faragio, “so I love that they grow so much in kindergarten. By the time they’re ready when they leave you, they’re ready for first grade. I like kindergarten for now. I don’t see myself changing.” Faragio explained.
Faragio lives in Georgetown and has stayed relatively local for
her education and career. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University, and studied early childhood education and special education. Faragio recently earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on educational leadership.
Faragio explained what the kids enjoy doing so far this year, as well as a game that brightens up a long day with some fun.
“The game, “who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?” (is one) they do,” said Faragi. “They love those little games that kind of build community in the classroom, something different because when we do six hours full of curriculum, yeah they’re tired. It’s a lot for their little brains.”
Veteran NES teacher, Mrs. Kristen Mollineaux is mentoring Feragio; she shared a few words through email explaining how Faragio is fitting in.
What are some of her strengths?
“Gianna is positive, fun and patient,” said Mollineaux. “She runs a very structured classroom where her kindergarteners are happy and engaged.”
As a kindergartener, Braedon 5 ½ tells us that kindergarten has been “good” so far. He enjoys playing the game “fishy-fishy” and swinging off the monkey bars.When asked if he could describe one word that would tie his first few weeks of school together he confidently said, “Probably snack. My mom packed me carrots but I didn’t eat them, and pretzels too.”
Another student had some brief words and agreed with his friends.
