Hooray for Teachers!

I am truly in awe of teachers, primarily kindergarten teachers. To supervise 20+ kids at one time and actually have to "teach" them how to read and write is such a monumental task that it really is a travesty that they aren't paid more. Not only are they not paid enough, but where is even the respect they surely deserve? I wouldn't even attempt to teach my kids so I am grateful there are people out there who do so because they love the job.

I worked in Lauryn's kindergarten class today. She only has 3 hours a day of class, not nearly enough time to cram everything in that is required of the day's lesson plan. Someone mentioned today that the kids don't get any "play" time anymore. Of course they don't. From the moment they walk into the class the day is full of tasks.

The kids start off with the good morning song, followed by the pledge of allegiance and another song about our country. Then there is calendar time where the kids count the days of the month, fill in the day of the week and the month. There is circle time where they go over a poem they need to memorize. Then it's right to stations where they have about 10 minutes at a table to do a worksheet, learn a color or read a story... before they switch and go to yet another station. Hmmm... then comes the King or Queen for the day. One child is picked each day and the other kids have to draw a picture of that person. Then they learn about vertical and horizontal. (Hard to say much less learn about.) Snack and outdoors time (about 15 minutes). Back inside to do more circle time tasks, read a story, practice writing and prepare to go home. It's a lot to do in one day.

And try teaching all this when half the 4 year olds don't listen, when there is always one kid who disrupts the class, hands going up every few minutes to use the bathroom, people coming in and out of the classroom, and having to stop and explain to us parent volunteers what they need help with.

I know I could never be a teacher. And yes, I am truly grateful to those that choose to do so.