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Any Pre-K or Kinder Teachers out there?
I went to school to teach science 4-8, but have an interview tommorow for a kindergarden teaching assistant.
I'm really excited, but have no experience with EC can anyone help me out with tips for teaching EC?
TIA
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Re: Any Pre-K or Kinder Teachers out there?
I'm not a preschool teacher anymore, but I used to be. The one thing you need in abundance is patience. That's pretty much it. The burnout rate for early childhood educators is crazy. I spent 4 years teaching toddlers and I was a senior teacher there...with only 4 years. If you don't have patience, you won't like it.
As an assistant, you won't be responsible for any teaching.
Before your interview, I suggest looking into how the kindergarteners are assessed. I know our kindergarten helper does most of that (because it's one on one).
Also, find out about their curriculum. What is expected of them at that age? I know our kindergarteners leave writing a couple sentences and most are reading.
Think of ways you can help the teacher. Will you just sit around and wait for her to tell you what to do, or will you jump right in with helping? How will you help? How will you communicate with the teacher?
Also, think of your job with the students. What kind of relationship do you want to have with them? Are you willing to step in when children are fighting and the teacher hasn't seen what's going on yet?
Good luck!
The biggest is how you find your role in the classroom. Don't interupt the teacher when she's teaching, clarify the lesson afterwards so you know what to do with the kids at their seats. I have special ed kids who do their tasks differently. Always be active and with the children, but being their K help them be independent. If the teacher asks a child to bring something to her, don't bring it for the child. A lot of short verbal instructions instead. Don't overpower the teacher, she (or he) is in charge of parent, principal, social worer contacts. If you have a concern address it with the teacher and she'll take it to the next level. Otherwise, you're another adult in the classroom to give instructions and to be listened to by the children. They shouldn't know any different between the assistant and teacher as far as respect goes. A plus for you is if you're willing to come in 10 minutes early to find time to talk with the teacher about plans for the day. During the day, it's hard to find time to talk while teaching. I have had an assistant think I was just giving her orders all day, but I didn't have time to have a conversation with her about the tasks and she unsually came in right on time or late and could never figure out what to do on her own. Basically, keep walking around seeing that the kids are doing what they need to do and help those that need more of it. Be flexible in the tasks that a teacher gives you to do.