Frannie over at "Authentic Virtue" has asked some questions about my job as a K-3 teacher. I've been wanting to share a little more about my job with you, my dear readers, for a bit now, and this is the perfect time. :D
I will start out by explaining my job, and then answer the questions.
This will be my 5th year teaching a K-3 class. Class is held two half days a week. It's a reasonable amount of time for the kids to interact with one another, and be to introduced to a somewhat formal learning atmosphere.
The school follows the Abeka curriculum, so everything is pretty much laid out for me, as far as lessons, stories, etc. go. I have been doing it so long, I don't even write out lesson plans. It's engraved into my head, and I know what comes next each day. :)
Our daily schedule looks like this...
8:30 Arival, Play on carpet quietly until 9
9:00 Bathroom
9:05 Pledges/Prayer Time
9:10 Exercise/Singing
9:20 Bible Story/Scripture Memory
9:30 Weather/Color of the Day
9:35 Bible Coloring Sheet
9:45 Letter Time (intro to letter sound, formation, and story with the animal friend)
10:05 Snack
10:30 Books/Puzzles
10:45 Gym/Playground
11:10 Bathroom
11:15 Numbers (counting, etc.)
11:30 Science or Social Study
11:45 Craft/Journal Time
11:55 Pack to leave
12:00 Departure
Three year olds are a very interesting lot. They are just coming out of the "terrible twos", and well, let's just say some days can be quite interesting in the behavior and attention span department.
As far as behavior issues, I try to spend more time encouraging their good behavior, and that seems to make them want to please you. I have a candy/sticker chest for the end of the day. And if they are particularly disobedient, they don't get to go into it. But I really try to reiterate that we should behave well, and have happy joyful attitudes, because that pleases GOD.
And now to answer some questions...
Do I like teaching?
As far as teaching, yes. It is not my job of choice (aside from being a homemaker, the best job I ever had was working on a neighbor's farm), but I do enjoy it. But I will admit, talking with parents is what I dislike the most. (my shy/introverted personality gets in the way there)
What has been the most challenging?
Patience. As I mentioned earlier, three year olds are not the easiest bunch to work with. They can be really sweet at times, but without warning they can turn in the most selfish little terrors. (that's human nature though...) I have had to learn to just wait out the bad moments, chill, and not get so upset when they are misbehaving. Prayer has been the biggest helper there.
What has been the most rewarding?
Seeing how ready and willing children are to listen, hear, and learn about GOD and HIS truths. Like in these verses...
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4
Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel
Hello, there!
ReplyDeleteI am *so* glad to see this post! Thank you for writing it! Your classroom is super cute, I love the schedule, and how you manage the class. It was very helpful for me -- a want to be teacher! :)
I can relate to struggles of teaching that age. I had once helped at an at-home daycare (which really could have been called a very good preschool ... my boss was excellent at creating a learning environment) and I remember the extremes of the children. At one moment all is calm -- the next can be full of meanness and stinginess. The lady I worked for was very good with the children and loved them all the way through the storms (while I, on the other hand, was a frazzled, frustrated mess after each episode). It was a really good learning experience me. So many good memories!
God bless you as you teach and lead these little ones. They will likely always remember Miss Angel as a very special, loving teacher!