A Memorable Year

Remember that book All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten? I had that book in mind while thinking of what to write in this post. I couldn't let the end of the school year go by without acknowledging all that I learned right alongside my Pre-K kids. My job this year was a total God send. Two years ago if you had asked me if I would ever go back to the classroom I would have emphatically answered NOOOO! This job came along and I had always felt drawn towards this 'sweet little pre-school', so I jumped on it. And I am so thankful that I did. I felt like I was a five year old again playing school with all my little doll students. I never thought that I would find a teaching job that I enjoyed so thoroughly. Praise God! I found it!

So, what did I learn?
1. Every kid comes with different baggage, so I have to handle each child accordingly. Duh, right? I knew this but never really thought about it. Until I was faced with a discussion with Ethan's teacher. She pointed this little tidbit out, and it hit me.
2. It's preschool-no worries. I wasn't there to teach them the multiplication tables or how to write in cursive, people. It's ok to play.
3. Spring Fever is an actual occurance amongst 5 year olds. This was a shocker!
4. I can get pretty crafty when I'm forced to! (I heart the Crafty Crow! Google it...)
5. You can convince a five year old that there is an real K (for Kindergarten) on his forehead and it will go away if he doesn't behave.
6. Timing is everything. Next year, I will be sure to start the 15 scrapbooks for the kids ASAP!
7. Teaching is fun and enjoyable when you have parents that support you and encourage you along the way. What a concept! They were our cheerleaders. Go Moms!
8. Having your own child at the school is fantastic, BUT if said child is a mischievous little imp you might want to hide when you see his teacher coming your way.
9. My time with these kids knit my heart to theirs in a way that I never thought possible. I will NEVER forget these precious 5 year olds and my first year in this sweet little preschool.
10. Matt says that there has to be a #10 on my list. I'll leave this one open for next year... Learning never stops, right?