Johnson said that she wanted to bring some magic to her students learning experience with tangible activities.

“I am a very visual learner even now,” said Johnson, “but learning by seeing and doing is an inherent part of being five.”

Johnson said she has seen watercolors used to teach color concepts but wanted a way to make it more interactive for her students, and to take it a step further.

“This experiment is so exciting for the kids, and the look of wonder on their faces is priceless,” said Johnson.

Many of the kindergarten students said things like “Whoa! That is so cool,” and “when you mix two colors, it makes a brand-new color.” One student even discovered something about the water in every cup and said, “they are all translucent!”

Johnson said the best part of teaching Kindergarten is that each day is a new experience. She said students come excited to learn new things, show you what they know, and make an impression - their kindergarten journeys are all a little different.

“From the child who said, ‘Mrs. Johnson, those colors are all translucent,’" she said, “to the child who has never held a pair of scissors before, the differences in background are vast. I think as a Kinder teacher the best part is taking every student where they are and helping them discover their individual strengths, celebrating those, and beginning their story of success.”

Johnson has also been a Tiger most of her life! She attended Casey Elementary in the 70’s and graduated from Frenship High School in 1990. She began her teaching career at Casey Elementary and since has taught at Westwind for nine years.

“As a Tiger, that motto carries through every grade level and every campus. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”