I had Mrs. Moffatt in the 4th grade and she did much of the same thing. And she would have those contests where the class would try to find as many words in a word written on the blackboard. I won a small flag for that once. That was in 1964 and I do remember it. Back to basics.
You and I appear to be the same age as my 4th grade year was 1964-65.
Exactly on point about the basics sticking with you when a dedicated teacher really cares about the students. Hope you still have the flag or maybe it’s still in the keepsakes in your parents’ attic...