What I Learned in Kindergarten!

The following is a poem that I wrote for my final presentation about my semester teaching a Kindergarten class. I learn a lot from this class of little people and wanted to share a piece of my experience. Enjoy! (It looks longer than it is!)

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There once was a student

who wanted to know

what it was like to be a teacher.

She worked very hard

To learn what it takes,

This student was very eager.

This student had worked

With children before

But nothing quite this official.

Time cards and lesson plans,

Read alouds, and crafts,

This experience would be beneficial.

Before she was able

to step into class

a few things had to be planned.

How would she make an impact

at Washington school,

when respect she had to command.

The first three goals

That she set for herself

Were stay educated, be flexible, and reflect.

This meant being in tune

With the needs of the class

And be sure everything would connect.

Connect to the students

Connect to their lives

Connect reading, writing, and math

Reflect on the lessons,

Reflect on the feelings,

Even in stress, stay on the right path.

Whenever there’s something

That doesn’t work out

Don’t fret, just research and learn

About other ways

The students can grasp

The concepts you want them to earn.

Now on to the students,

The wonderful beings

Full of such personalities

At all different levels

Of reading, of learning,

Their success is our responsibility.

The students were open

And willing to join

Me on this adventure of learning to teach

Throughout my time shared

Assignments and projects

Each student I hope that I reached.

This journey was not quite

As smooth as planned,

It definitely could have been better.

Ambitious in some

of the tasks that I asked

I was forced to get it together

Though some of the assignments

Were asking a lot

Much to my intention

The students will deliver

To your expectations

As long as they pay attention.

By the end of my

Ten weeks in Kindergarten

The amount that I learned was priceless.

Repeat everything,

Don’t speak too fast,

Make sure the lessons have a purpose.

Ask clear questions,

Read fun books,

They love to color with markers,

At the end of the day

They want you to listen

They’ll tell you their stories regardless.

Those students in room

121,

taught me more than I can share

But overall

The students just want

To know that you care and you’ll be there.

On my journey to being

A teacher of K…

Maybe even 1^st grade

It is not about the impact

That I had

But the difference in my life they made.

The class door that I decorated

Most of my class

Me reading to the class