Teaching ABCs & 123s

While there’s consensus at an academic level kindergarten teachers and those who work with young children can feel pressure from parents and others to ‘teach’ reading and writing. Some feel that rote counting and ABCs activites are essential for young children.

Here’s a fantastic blog post by an early years teacher in America. I just need to play with them.

(note, for the Aussies reading: when he refers to Kindergarten, that’s our Prep, reception or first year of school)

Prac is finished!!

I am super super proud of me! (can I say that without sounding too much like a tall poppy?)

Yes I can! Because I have earned it! I have worked very hard, sacrificed much & overcome extreme anxiety to finish my Kindergarten placement. And I didn't just finish I got a H2A (B+). I believe I did really really well. Yay me!

Big thanks to the Prince for getting me out the door on supreme anxiety days, doing all the cooking & housework every Tues, Wed & Thurs since August & just loving me. Without him it would not have been possible!

Thanks also to family & friends who have understood me not being able to do anything!

*side note: does thanking someone on the internet when you know they can't read it count? Does 'sending the vibes out there' show love?*

Things I have learned: 

• I can do way more than I think I can
• I love working with children
• anxiety can be beaten, and I can do it!
• I'm good at working with children. And I don't have to know what to do in every circumstance, my instincts are good.
• Some kids live really hard lives. (this was the hardest lesson. really feeling for some of the kids I met)

Rose: I've finished! What more is there? =)

Quotable Quotes

Things I said at Kindergarten this week:

"It's a handkerchief. Kind of like a permanent tissue"

"You don't need to cry about the bubbles. I know you didn't get to pop one this time, but look I'm blowing more right now..."

"You don't need to cry about the bubbles too..."

I also got sparkles & magic (to kill the bad guys) brushed through my hair by 3 gorgeous girls. *Awww*

I love working with kids! What are your favourite kid moments?

~P

Rose: only one more day of prac left! I'm loving it, but it's sooo draining & really hard on my CFS. Nearly finished!