I have always wanted to be a teacher. I have a poster that I made when I was three that says, "My name is Asher. I am three years old. My favorite color is purple. When I grow up, I am going to be a teacher." This summer I decided to further my education on teaching by working at a preschool. I work three days a week for four hours a day. That may not seem like a lot but when you have fifteen 3-year-olds running around, it feels like any other nine to five. The kids are in camp for the summer so instead of teaching them spelling and math; we are just encouraging them and allowing them to explore the classroom. I teach the kids new words and which colors you have to mix to make other colors. I teach the kids a lot; they learn every day just from observing and following. They teach me a lot too. I have only been with this group of children for five weeks, yet I feel like I have learned so much more about the profession that I cannot wait to go into.
1. Everyone learns at their own speed and in their own way.
Yes, I already knew this before teaching at the preschool. Most people are aware that everyone learns at different speeds and in their own way. The issue is that a lot of people don't realize how different each child is. The reason schools are struggling is because we have one singular teacher in a classroom teaching every student the same way. Each child has their own needs that need to be met. Some pay more attention when we are singing, and some pay more attention when we are reading a story. Not every child is going to understand things at the same time.
2. The shyest children will surprise you most.
One of the girls in my class barely talks. Ever. She gets to camp and hides under the jungle gym for 45 minutes. Inside she plays by herself and holds onto her blanket. Recently she opened a book and started reading it out loud to the entire class. She was acting out every part, and she knew every word. I was flabbergasted. How could this child who doesn't interact with anyone be so outgoing right now? This was when I realized that she might be shy because she was not given the outlet to express herself. She just needed to be given the space to become comfortable and find the best way of interacting. And she sure found it.
3. Children love the arts.
No matter if they love cars or babydolls or bugs, all children love at least one aspect of the arts. Every single one of my children loves to either paint, or draw, or sing, or dance. The idea that different schools are cutting art programs makes me sad because I watch how happy these kids are when they are coloring or dancing in the middle of the rug. Kids do not necessarily know how to express themselves in words. The arts are an amazing way for them to express how they feel, or what they want.
4. Accidents happen.
I don't just mean bathroom accidents. I make mistakes too. It is not good to punish yourself too much for a mistake. That's why they call it an accident because it wasn't on purpose. My kids will have bathroom accidents and not even cry because they understand that it will happen sometimes. We change them, and they go back to doing whatever they were doing before. Everyone makes mistakes and accidents do happen, you just have to straighten yourself up and keep going on with your day.
My kids have taught me so much. They teach me something new every day, and I love hanging out with them. Each child has their very own personality, and they are all so special. I know by the end of this summer I will have learned so much from them and my fellow teachers.
