Kindergarten teachers are a very special breed of people. Not only is it their job to teach, but they must also do so in the most engaging and gentle manner. They must take into consideration that their audience is a group of 5-year-olds who are transitioning and need kindness and love just as much as they do education.
I am so impressed with my son’s kindergarten teacher after only 2 days of school, and I must share two very sweet stories with you.
Story #1:
The day before school started, our children’s school has an open house where you drop off school supplies, meet your teacher and see the classroom for the first time. For a kindergartener, this is a very big deal, because not only are they meeting their teacher, but they are about to enter a brand new school with a whole set of brand new faces in a brand new environment.
As we walked into the class, the sweet, smiling teacher handed us a piece of paper and instructed us to go on a “scavenger hunt” to get us better acquainted with the room. The last stop was my son’s cubby, and in it was a brown paper lunch bag with instructions. We saved the bag until we got home, but when we got home and read about its contents, we were so moved. Here’s what it said:
KINDERGARTEN 1ST DAY KIT
– Starburst: You will be a shining star in school if you smile and always do your best.
–Penny: To remind you that you are a valuable member of our class.
– Sticker: We always stick together and help one another.
–Smarties: You are going to learn SO much in Kindergarten this year!
–Eraser: Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes. That is how we learn.
–Hershey Hug: We all need hugs now and then. If you need one, let me know.
–Lifesaver: I am here to help you. Don’t be afraid to come to me if you need something.
Story #2:
Every Friday, there is a work folder that comes home in my kids’ backpacks. There is usually paperwork for the parents to fill out, homework assignments and any communication from the teachers that we need to have. It’s a very good system, and it’s how we are informed of all of the happenings at the school.
Yesterday, again, I was moved by the contents and of this Kindergarten teacher’s kindness enhancing the learning she gives to her students. There was a drawing in my son’s folder and a typed-written paper stapled to it that said: “We looked for Corduroy’s button.”
Here’s a photo of his beautiful artwork depicting his hunt for the button. I understand from my son that they found it in the school library and had to look all over the school for it. Of course, in the process and without them knowing it, they went on a tour of the school. Brilliant!!!!
If all the world was treated in the way that a kindergarten teacher treats her students, than imagine how kind this world would be. This, of course, leads me to my song today. It is a classic. Sam Cooke knew that love would make the world wonderful with his 50’s song “What a Wonderful World This Would Be.” I think it’s perfect for this moment, because it talks all about school, too. Here’s the Youtube link to listen to this awesome song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KTFoMJi3uE
Today’s blog is a lesson in kindness and patience for me, and if my son’s teacher can treat those around her this way, so can I! Thank you, sweet kindergarten teacher, for not only inspiring your students, but giving some guidance to the parents, too. You set a fine example!
