[kjuda]

Welllllllll...today I spent in Kindergarten. I do love this age, but I'm more used to the slightly older (and controllable) ages like 1st-5th grades. They did pretty well most of the time with the exception of one child. (there's always one) This little guy was never on-task. He punched another child. During freeplay, he took out toys and games, dumped them and moved on. The teacher uses the stoplight plan. He got warnings. Then moved to yellow. Then to red. I noticed the other kids spun up the more he spun up. Finally put an end to the chaos, had them cleanup early and read them a story...or I should say "acted" out a story. They gave me their full attention. The end of the day couldn't come soon enough. I might just rule out the 5 year olds in the future!

[yoohoo]

TGIF!!!!!! I even had a K teacher one time come up to me personally and ask if I wanted to sub in her class...I've been in her class a couple of times and know her routines...I told a white lie and said I was booked...I didn't have the heart to tell her that I'm no longer interested in teaching at that level.....

Her kids were wonderful!!!! but......it's a tough age to get everybody on the same page and I don't get paid enough as a sub to wrangle all the little ones

[starley]

This post made me giggle. Welcome to my world. Teaching Kindergarteners is quite the job. And, I value anyone who agrees to sub in my classroom. We are very luck and have regular, excellent subs. Kindergarten is an different world!!

Thanks to all the dedicated subs!!!

[kjuda]

Question for you! What do you feel is an acceptable level of noise in your Kindergarten? Especially during freeplay! I'm very used to keeping a lid on the noise level with the older kids, but wasn't completely sure if I was expecting too much. I really do love this age...but guess I need some 'coaching' to be a better sub! I've taught first through 4th grade, but never K, though I'm licensed to do so...it's been a lotta years! Suggestions??

[gottaread]

I'm interested in subbing in Kindergarten. Are you an allday kindergarten teacher or half day? Would you give us an example of what the schedule would be like? How long are the activities? How often do you change? Do you let them just play for part of the day? Do you have an aide in your classroom? Can you tell I'm a bit green when it comes to Kindergarten? I've taught elementary grades fulltime, but never the K's!

[Rerun]

I've done K a few times this year and it was great. You have to be prepared for anything however. You also have to have some activities ready. Remember, a major item in the early grades is to teach about compliance, order and structure. This is difficult, as Mom's rules now may have to be changed or altered a little for school. But I always leave tired and with a smile when I'm doing the little ones. A wise old teacher once told me, "Remember, you're bigger than they are". Good advice. You'll never get so many smiles and hugs. I'm an over the hill, 6'2" 250lb grandpa and need some of those hugs once in while. It's worth the yelling, running, paint all over and the sometime accidents.

[gottaread]

Great advice. We need big strong men in Kindergarten! I'll bet the kids love you. Carry on!