Why I Love Kindergarten

Ok, so I know it’s been way too long since an update has found its way to this page. But, I’m going to try to re-commit myself to blogging. I’ve decided that I should be able to find something of interest to talk about at least once per week. We do live in Thailand after all!

Today, I would like to talk about why I LOVE teaching kindergarten. I love kindergarten because the innocence of childhood is so obvious at this age. They run, laugh, play, occasionally argue, but in the next instance they are happy again. They have really great laughs that echo through the halls and make your insides a little pinker. They walk down the hall holding hands or with their arms around one another's shoulders. They pretend to be their favorite super hero, princess or cartoon character, and even with a language barrier I can see their imagination creating amazing worlds that they happily frolic through. 

They LOVE English class and always anxiously await hearing what group gets to go first. "Teacher Group A or Group B?!?!" In kindergarten it is still cool to be the teacher's pet and they all vie for a little extra attention. The slightest bit of encouragement and praise can completely transform a kid from being one who doesn't often listen to the most dedicated student in the class. It is a huge honor if they are chosen to help out in class. They are filled to brim with possibility and cannot possibly be contained in anyone label box. 

And even though, I can just start to see the cliques forming, they are still so sweet that the ‘outsiders’ are more often included than not. They want to help each other out. They don't want to see anyone fail and they are the first ones there when someone needs a hand.

Here. These pictures will help you understand what I’m talking about.


 

 This little girl likes to dance and twirl to the music in her head. She scrunches her nose when she laughs. Her BEST friend is also in K2 and when they aren’t together for five minutes they hug when they are reunited. She seriously considers what she wants done to her hair each day after nap time and what color hair ties it should be done with. She’s super shy and I’ve had to put in some serious tickle and cuddle time to get her to warm up to me. Now, she skips into my office everyday to tell me good morning and give me a hug. She also comes in to have her owies kissed and then she giggles because I’m pretty sure they don’t kiss owies in Thailand. She’s just so stinking cute, sweet and happy that when she smiles I smile, because her smile is just that great.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying this little girl is the whole reason I love kindergarten. Because the fact is, all of the kids (even the naughty ones) are the reason I love kindergarten. She just expresses those things better than most of the other kids, and by some miracle I managed to capture that expression with my camera. It’s been no easy task. As I mentioned above she’s very shy so when the camera comes out her expression changes drastically. This is a very lucky shot!

Anyway, I love my job. These kids are absolutely wonderful and I feel lucky to get to teach them. I love them even when they give me lice. Although to be clear, I DO NOT like this little gift much at all!

And now, Neils will get to have this same kind of experience. Yep, Neils just accepted the K1 position for next term. Starting November 1 he will be teaching a class of 15+ 3-4 yr olds. Woot!

Hope you are well!