What I've Learned Student Teaching (So Far)

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Ahhh spring break.  You were so good to me! Now, it's back to reality and reality was started by teaching my little ones first thing this morning! As much as I was not ready to go back to school, I was extremely happy to see their little faces.  I received lots of hugs and stories about their week long break.  Only one month of school left...where did the semester go?? I'm definitely counting down the days until school ends but as long as I'm still student teaching, I thought I'd share some of what I've learned (so far) this semester teaching preschool.  I know there's still so much left to learn, but I have gained some knowledge!

Sing EVERYTHING.
Okay- maybe not everything, but I find that the children respond much better if you are "talking" to them in a singing voice.  I'm known as the student teacher who can literally make up any song off the top of my head and the kids immediately listen. This is gold, I'm telling you.

When settling a problem with a child, always start off by reflecting to the child what they are doing. 
 For example, if a child is continuing to interrupt during circle or literacy time, start off by saying, "You are really excited to tell me what happened to you over the weekend..."<-- by starting with you, this lets them know you get what they are wanting and you understand them.  Then finish with, "I'd love to talk to you about it when the story is over."

It's ok to mess up!
I can't tell you how many times I've had a "blonde" moment or simply just messed something up.  Just roll with what ever you're doing and adapt quickly and you will be fine.  Or, you could tell the students that "Teacher Katie made a mistake"...and then continue to hear about it for the rest of the day from the kiddos (lesson learned on that one ;))

Don't get so caught up in doing everything "right".  
The kids will sense your nervous or uptight energy and feed off of that.  Relax and focus on creating those meaningful relationships and intentional teachings, and not so much on if you sang the words in a song correctly or set out all necessary materials for a lesson.


I hope my tips can help all you teachers or (soon to be teachers) out! I'd love to hear some of your words of wisdom! I'm definitely still learning how to manage a room full of 3-5 year olds, but I'm completely loving this experience!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

{Katie}