Teaching pre-kindergarten was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Throughout my time in education, I had the opportunity to work with various grade levels, but nothing compared to the joy of teaching little ones. There were moments—like pretending to be frogs during storytime or witnessing a child write their name for the first time—when I’d wonder how I could possibly be getting paid for such delightfully fun work! However, the start of the school year? That’s an entirely different tale.
The initial six weeks of pre-k are nothing short of chaotic for teachers. Every year, I’d return home exhausted, questioning my life choices and wondering why I opted to work with 4-year-olds. In those moments, I couldn’t recall all the wonderful experiences that awaited us later in the year, and I was convinced my principal had assigned me a class of mischievous little rascals as some sort of cosmic joke.
You might be asking, “What’s the big deal? Can’t you just give them some Play-Doh and call it a day?” Oh, sweet, naïve friend, let me enlighten you.
- They’re Just Turning Four.
While they may be labeled as 4 years old, in reality, they’re still learning the fundamentals of being civil, which includes sharing toys and, yes, avoiding accidents on their classmates. These lessons require a lot of repetition. - Separation Anxiety is Real.
For many of them, this is their first experience away from home for an extended period. Sure, they might have spent a night with Grandma, but this is entirely different. Their anxiety is compounded by the fact that they just met you and their classmates at “Meet the Teacher” night. The last thing they need is a parent lingering in the doorway, snapping pictures! - Fight or Flight Mode.
During the first month, I quickly learned to wear sneakers daily, ready to chase after what we lovingly called “the escape artists.” One moment you’re reading “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” and the next, a child is bolting for the door. I often feared I’d end up on the evening news for losing a student who decided to take a joyride on a city bus. - They’re Not Quite Ready for School.
At just 48 months old, many haven’t grasped basic skills like walking in a straight line or even forming one. They struggle with simple tasks like buttoning their pants or opening glue bottles. - Teaching Basics Takes Patience.
I’m pretty sure my premature gray hair is a direct result of attempting to teach a group of 25 kids how to walk in a line. You can try all the tricks—like pretending to be a train—but the back of the line inevitably bends like a piece of taffy, especially during dismissal when everyone is watching. - Attention Span? What’s That?
Research tells us that 4-year-olds have an attention span of about eight minutes. Multiply that across a six-hour school day, and you realize the extent of planning required. Should a gnat happen to fly into the room during a lesson, you might as well pack up and go home. - They’re Everywhere.
It’s a mystery how one classroom can feel so crowded. Just when you think you’ve rounded everyone back in after recess, another pops up, like a game of whack-a-mole. Many states don’t limit pre-k class sizes, so you can find yourself managing a full house of energetic little ones. - Emotional Contagion.
These kids don’t just share toys; they share emotions. When one cries, they all cry. If one gets sick, it can turn into a classroom-wide event. And heaven forbid someone bursts into song during morning circle. - Infinite Energy.
You probably know this from your own children; they seem to drain your energy. Now imagine a classroom filled with that same level of exuberance!
Fortunately, by November, things start to settle down. It’s like an early holiday miracle when your class finally finds its rhythm, and that’s when the real fun begins. Until then, it’s a daily struggle against the chaos.
So, do you have a little one starting school soon? If so, why are you still reading? Head to the store and grab a bottle of scotch for their teacher—you’ll want to show your appreciation!
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Summary:
Teaching pre-kindergarten can be a rewarding yet challenging experience, especially during the hectic start of the school year. New students often struggle with basic skills, separation anxiety, and emotional contagion, leading to chaotic classroom dynamics. However, patience and perseverance ultimately lead to a more settled and enjoyable learning environment as the year progresses.