Mrs. Dawn Otten

Second Grade Teacher

Hometown: Holland, MI
Joined the BCS staff in 1980-1982, 1990
BA – Education, Calvin College

Dawn Otten teaches our second grade class and has held that position since the Fall of 1990. She enjoys kids at this age because they really love to begin each morning by singing devotional songs, and as the year progresses they are “so excited to begin learning cursive writing.”

Dawn has a BA from Calvin College in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math & Science. Mrs. Otten is married and has 3 adult children, all graduates of BCS. In her free time, Dawn enjoys watching basketball and soccer games.

Her favorite scripture verse is Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

“As a second grade teacher at Brookfield Christian School, I am privileged to assist parents in educating their children in a Christ-centered environment. It is my goal to provide quality education that acknowledges Jesus as Lord, and that our world belongs to God. Integration of faith and learning takes place all day long.

We begin our day in a time of devotion, prayer, and singing. Along with praise and worship the students have an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns. There is instruction in Bible knowledge from the story of Creation to the spread of the gospel in the New Testament. Time is also spent in memorizing Bible passages. Students are challenged to go beyond the ‘head’ knowledge into ‘heart’ knowledge by applying God’s Word in their lives. In our study of James we learn that we need to not only hear and believe God’s Word, but also do what it says. In keeping with God’s command, time and effort is spent in learning how to treat others with love and respect.

Other academic areas also reflect Christian learning. In Science our study of animals and plants inspires a sense of wonder in our awesome God and his vast creation. We are also amazed in the smallest details that God attends to. We are challenged to be good stewards of God’s world with careful use of its resources. We recycle, reuse, and conserve. When we learn the number facts in Math and see the various patterns in numbers and shapes, we develop an appreciation for the order in which God has created the world. In Social Studies we learn from different events in history. Our study of Abraham Lincoln during Black History Month helps us to become aware of injustices, and encourages us to strive to treat all people, as image bearers of God, with love. Since our bodies are temples of God, in Health and Physical Education we are challenged to eat healthy food, exercise, and get plenty of rest. Since second graders are making the transition from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’ they have opportunities to evaluate content and characters in literature in light of God’s Word. In Spelling and Handwriting we are encouraged to do careful and neat work. In all areas we are expected to do our best with the gifts that God has given us.

Although most of the instruction is planned, there is flexibility in using ‘teachable moments.’ Second graders are inquisitive with many how and why questions. They are encouraged to think with discernment based on the truths of God’s Word.

Christian education – what a privilege!”