I think being a new preschool teacher is a trial by fire type of gig…you figure out REAL quick what works and what doesn’t work. If you don’t figure these things out, your ship is going to go down FAST. I learned two important things within the first two weeks of teaching preschoolers…use glue sticks instead of liquid glue if at all possible and there is much less chaos if the kids use baby wipes to clean their hands after snack as opposed to washing them in the sink. One thing that I learned the easy way based on knowing the personalities in my little class is that some projects are best done in pairs/small groups while the other kids are doing something they can manage on their own. (i.e. anything with glitter or large amounts of paint).
I love how much the kids have grown already this year. I had one child who couldn’t write his name AT ALL. He is now not only trying to write his name, but is doing a pretty darn good job. One little girl had no idea how to hold her scissors and is now using them appropriately most of the time, but more importantly recognizes when she isn’t doing it correctly and asks for help!!! That is major, folks!
Love it!!!