But in the nine months that I have these little caterpillars, they learn how to pray, socialize, read, count, add and subtract, write a complete sentence, and tie their shoes, along with a multitude of other skills. By the end of the year I am always amazed by their metamorphosis. In fact, each June, as I send my “little butterflies” on to first grade, I remember why it is that teaching kindergarten is also one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs in the world. The following are some of my observations and lessons learned while teaching kindergarten.
One of the first things I learned as a kindergarten teacher is that you have to count your kids often! You never know when one will wander off (or fall asleep under their desk and get left behind for lunch… true story.) I have learned that rhyming games and songs are a kindergarten teacher’s best friends. I have learned the value of daily practice, rules, and routines. Lastly, to some kids, I am and always will be “teacher.” It doesn’t matter that we only have less than two-and-a-half weeks of school left, they will always call me, teacher!
Over the past six years, I have also found some rewards that make teaching kindergarten pretty exceptional. For instance, I am always “beautiful,” whether I wear make-up or not, whether I am fat or thin, tired or well-rested. I can’t even begin to count all of the times I was told how pretty my hair or dress was, or how many times I was told “I love you!” Another positive aspect of teaching kindergarten is that kindergartners are so forgiving. You can scold them one minute, but they will be hugging you five minutes later. Of course, the very best part of teaching kindergarten is seeing that light bulb go on, when the kids “get it.”
Now as I say goodbye to teaching kindergarten and move to an older grade, it is with a touch of nostalgia and sorrow. I am not going to miss the boogers, but I will miss the hugs. I am not going to miss the crying, but I will miss the smiles. I won’t miss the off topic comments and questions, but I will miss the compliments. I won’t miss the tying shoes and zipping zippers but I will miss teaching my students to read and seeing that light bulb come on for the first time and shine for all the world to see!