Let the Learning Begin
I’m back in my happy place. Back into Kindergarten tomorrow after a year-long absence that included educational leave and a term in a different grade, back to what I know and love most of all: 4 and 5 year olds entering school for the first time.
There’ll be lots of learning in this first month of school.
I’ll be learning about what makes the kids happy, what makes them sad; what makes them angry, what makes them tired.
I’ll be learning their interests, likes, abilities, and struggles. I’ll learn about their families, homes, pets, and personalities.
The crucial things that kindergarten children need to learn in the first few weeks of school aren’t surprisingly found in the curriculum guide. This “hidden” curriculum, not unfamiliar to seasoned kindergarten teachers, forms the foundation for all other learning that will take place over the next 13 years.
And whether we explicitly teach it or not, here’s what WILL be learned in those first few weeks:
How is my school the same or different from my home?
How is my teacher the same or different from other adults I know?
How can I treat people in school?
What will be tolerated by adults and other children?
Will I need to follow directions, rules, and routines in all places in the school? Will there be consequences for my actions?
Can I trust my teachers and other adults in the school to care for me and help me make good decisions?
Will my teacher communicate with my family about what goes on in school and at home?
Is school a place where I am safe, where I can get help if I need it; where I can learn new things, where I can make friends?
Is school a place where I can learn from my mistakes, where people believe in me, where I will be encouraged to believe in myself?
Is school a place where I belong? Is it a place where I can be all that I am and where adults value respect, celebrate diversity, and teach empathy above all else?
If you are a new kindergarten teacher, I hope these questions have given you lots to think about.
Children will be learning the answers to these questions every day; in every moment, with every word you speak, every action you choose.
There is no profession more noble than teaching, and being entrusted with a community’s children is not something to be taken lightly.
Keep all your little ducklings close these first few weeks, and help them to be the very best they can be. Set precedents. It is much easier to start off with many tiny corrections early on than to realize weeks from now that a large correction is needed.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! Find something to do each day that brings you and your children joy. It’s important that children learn that school is fun and a great place to be!
Wishing every one of you a successful start to the school year!
We’ve got this!
Cathy 🙂
Cathy Rice View All →
Dedicated teacher for the past 18 years. Lifelong learner. Newbie blogger. Follow me on Twitter @Baker1973Cathy
Mrs. Rice’s K 
Great to hear your voice again, Cathy! Congratulations on being back in Kindergarten. Your student-centered questions are applicable to all students, K-12, IMO. I have adapted my teaching to reflect the pillars of Fulghum’s treasured resource. Thanks for raising it up again.