THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 9, 1995 TAG: 9507070610
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
During each of the four years that Arthur K. Arseneau has taught at Bowling Park Elementary School in Norfolk, he has set up a miniature farm situation.
``I hatch chicken eggs,'' said the Chesapeake resident. ``This year, my first-graders helped put the eggs in the incubator.''
Every day for three weeks he talked to his students about farm animals. He told them about different animals that are hatched from eggs. He explained the necessity of maintaining a certain temperature throughout the incubation period.
The first baby chick was born during the night.
``The next morning a little boy came in and asked, `Mr. Arseneau, where did that chicken come from?' ''
Two things top Arseneau's agenda for how parents can prepare their children for school.
``If kindergartners and first-graders came to school with the understanding that they cannot always have their own way, and if they knew how to get along with other children, teaching would be a lot easier,'' he said.
For starters, parents who want to prepare their children for school should turn off the television, he said.
``Read to your children,'' said Arseneau, who worked for 10 years in the mental health field before he became a teacher. ``Spend time teaching your children about the things around them. Talk with your children, instead of at them. Sit down and play games with them.''
His greatest excitement comes from observing the child who is learning to read.
He provided book titles for young children.
For children ages 4 to 7, the series ``Let's Talk About Books'' by Joy Berry helps children understand the difference between right and wrong, and how to get along with other people, he said.
``Look for books with lots of rhymes,'' he said.
Younger children learn from books with large bright pictures.
The two books he recommended for parental reading are ``How to Raise a Brighter Child'' by Joan Beck and ``The ABCs of Child Care'' by Allan Fromme.
Full name: Arthur K. Arseneau
Grew up: Virginia Beach
Fond childhood memories: ``Going to the beach at Sandbridge with my family.''
Spouse: Sharon
Children: John and Amy
Occupation: Teacher
Hobbies: Coaching Pony League Baseball and water skiing
A favorite book: ``A series of books by C.S. Lewis, `The Narnia Chronicles' ''
Favorite song: ``Longer''
Favorite movie: ``Outlaw Josey Wales''
Can't resist: ``Trying to watch baseball games on TV.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``My height. I would like to be taller.''
Favorite TV program: ``Dave's World''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Cara's
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``Spending time with my kids'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
by CNB