It's been 50 days since our brand new Kindergarten at the rubbish dump opened. Let me share a little history. Before I came here at the dump, I taught Kindergarten for 8 straight years. Those were eight magnificent years in my life!
I love enumerating things and so today I write a long -random list. I was blessed to have spent 3 years in a traditional school and 5 years in a progressive school as a Kindergarten teacher. Both experiences truly helped enrich my teaching career. So, let me share to you...
50 reasons why I love Kindergarten with all my hearts.
Here we go:
1. It wasn't what I wanted. I thought elementary kids would be cool but not 5 and 6 year olds. Well, once I got into the Kindergarten world, I never wanted to leave.
2. There is no pretending when you are with kids. It's a very free-ing feeling to be with such precious, innocent souls.
3. It's really easy to be nice when it comes to kids.
4. I enjoy classroom freedom a lot.
5. It makes my imagination run and soar wiiiild.
6. It keeps me going and going and going.
7. It helps me exercise and workout my muscles as I climb spiderwebs and swing in monkey bars.
8. It makes me feel so powerful.
9. It's a special kind of therapy.
10. You get to meet really cool people, their parents.
11. Kindergarten teachers are just amazing.
12. I get to dress up during programs.
13. I get to eat a lot because I get tired a lot.
14. I get to travel around the world while staying inside the classroom.
15. You play tug of war and kids make sure you lose.
16. Kindergarten teachers get to show off their dancing prowess on stage once in a while.
17. You get to taste different kinds of food from around the world.
18. Your dreams are always colorful.
19. When you shop, you shop more things for the classroom than for yourself.
20. You can always take a nap in your reading area.
21. It's okay to be really silly in your classroom, no one will judge.
22. You get learn to give more everyday.
23. I get to push myself harder to become better in everything I do because that's what I teach my kids anyway.
24. You become so pretty and sexy and cool and your hair smells good,and that's what kids think of you.
25. You get better at acting and making up stories-- for kids.
26. I learn to trust more, a little more. Plus, I get to keep secrets and promises.
27. I get better at communicating esp. to parents.
28. Kindergarten parents are awesome!
29. Singing and dancing become a way of letting go.
30. You get to enjoy special visits to the zoo or a walk in the garden.
31. You get to make a relationship work. (your relationship with your teacher-partner or your fellow teachers)
32. You get really good at planning. Imagine planning form A-Z. :D
33. Commitment, Passion, Excellence, Discipline. My big words for Kindergarten teachers.
34. Keeps me on my knees.
35. You tap into prayer before, during and after any activity.
36. Celebration is a key.You get to find a reason to celebrate each day.
37. You always say Thank you, Please, I'm sorry and ...
38. Patience becomes a life-long virtue.
39. You get to have eyes that see the bright side.
40. Children say all the coolest and craziest things. You don't have to believe everything.
41. I can laugh out really loud.
42. There's what you call World Teacher's Day!
43. You see the importance of PLAY. You learn that mud, sand, bubbles and mess are cool.
44. It makes you realize that God loves his people and he is not going to give up on anyone. He created children.
45. It helps you choose your friends wisely. You also get to take care of your friends and treat them well.
46. It makes life, simple, easy and free.
47. It keeps me sane, glad, joyful and happy.
48. Once kids have learned to read in your class, they'll remember you forever.
49. You get some gifts and little treats.
50. I get to tell them about Jesus. Everyday becomes a delight as I continue to walk and live my dreams.
I teach because I want to see lives changed and futures transformed. I don't limit teaching in a classroom. Teaching, for me, should be a lifestyle.
P.S. Oh, by the way things are totally different now that I'm working near the dump site.
I'll make sure to tell you more about it in my next post. Smile.
