All About Mr. Nickel

Welcome to the All About Mr. Nickel Page!

See if you can find out the following things about Mr. Nickel
How many years have I been teaching?
Why did I become a teacher?
What do I like to do in my free time?
What are my favorite sports teams?
What do I like to do in my free time?
Teaching Background
As the 2008-2009 school year starts, I will be entering my seventh year of teaching.

 I started teaching second grade for a teacher who was on a maternity leave at Longwood Elementary School after I graduated from Illinois State University.  Then following that, I was fortunate enough to be able to teach at White Eagle Elementary School where I currently teach fourth grade.  I earned my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from North Central College. Over the summer I took technology classes through the University of St. Francis.
Why I Became a Teacher
  • Kids are awesome.  I love seeing them come into school with huge smiles on their faces and showing their excitement about learning.  The enthusiasm that a student has for learning really shows me why I choose to be a teacher.
  • I want to make learning fun for kids.  Back when I was a kid, my teachers had us do all sorts of activities that I can remember to this day.  These activities made learning fun.  I want to make learning meaningful for my students and create memorable experiences for them.
  •  I learn something new every day.  It is amazing how much background knowledge a fourth grader brings to class.  I enjoy learning about new concepts and ideas from them during an average school day.
Favorite Books to Read
  • The Percy Jackson series.  I just finished reading Battle of the Labyrinth and I am excited to read The Last Olympian.
  • Kingdom Keepers
  • Peter and the Starcatchers series: These Peter Pan adventures are great.
  • Anything by Daniel Gutman is great.  Some of my favorites include Jackie and Me, The Get Rich Quick ClubThe Homework Machine, Ray and Me, and Jim and Me.
  • I love the Alex Rider series and all of the missions that Alex Rider has to solve.
  • Sports books by Mike Lupica entitled Heat and Travel Team really get the reader into whats happening on the field or on the court.
  • Swindle
  • Football Genius
Favorite Athletes/Sports Teams
  • Chicago White Sox. This could be their year again.  As you can see by the outside of our classroom door that is covered with posters.
  • Basketball Players: Dwayne Wade, Gilbert Arenas, Kirk Hinrich,  Kevin Garnett, and Lebron James.
  • Baseball Players:  Alexei Ramirez, Derek Jeter, Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Roger Maris.
  • Golf: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
Favorite Foods
  • Cereal.  I have loved cereal ever since I was in college.  Corn Pops, Apple Jacks, and Lucky Charms are my favorites.
  • Double Stuff Mint Oreo Cookies and an ice cold glass of milk.
  • Chinese.  Chicken with mushrooms and crab ragoons make a delicious meal.
  • Fried chicken, popcorn, and turkey burgers.
  • Snack Pack Pudding. 
  • Kool Aid, Gatorade, and Propel.
  • Ice Cream
What I Like to Do in My Free Time


  • Since the summer I have begun to read more.  I enjoy reading books that my students might be interested in, as well as magazines like ESPN or Sports Illustrated.
  • I like going shopping espcially for Under Armour clothes.
  • Listening to music and watching movies.  Some of my favorite movies are The Sandlot, Remember the Titans, Night at the Museum, and Glory Road.
  • Working out.  I enjoy biking on nice days.  Also, playing basketball is something that helps keep me in shape.
  • Playing video games.  I only do this when all of my homework is done.

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