Kindergarten vs Preschool

Kindergarten (5-6 yrs) is quite different from preschool (3-5 yrs). The academic-driven and fast-paced schedules of my current placement was a drastic change from my time at the much more relaxed (and private and financially abundant) Montessori preschool last year. Contrary to the popular belief that all American schools are chill, I was quite surprised to find out that the teachers in the NYC public schools were as strict as ever, which reminded me of my own rigid Asian education growing up!

"Hurry up kids, let's go!"

"SHHHHHH!! NO talking in the hallways!"
"Sit up, sit still!"
"No calling out! Hands up and wait to be acknowledged before you speak!"

"Fast, fast, fast...you're too slow!"

Boom, boom, boom. Phew. Within the first few days, I knew I had to 'toughen up' from Preschool. No more time for wimpy hugs and kisses. The real world begins. These past few months have been a roller coaster ride for me, trying to keep up with the lead teacher, Mrs. G, as efficiently as possible and getting used to routines. She's at least 55 and a tough nut. Admired but feared by all. Although I used to consider myself a seasoned teacher, having taught preschool for many years in Malaysia....I don't know if I will be able to handle my own kindergarten classroom in a NYC public school system. The very thought scares me.

Today, I helped out a little girl with some spelling...patiently stretching the word slowly and nodding my approval whenever she was able to recognize the letter sounds. She wrote the word down on her paper and paused. 

Then, she looked up at me and said 'SL, someday you will be a great teacher!" 

"Thank you!" I replied with a smile and jostled her back to work.

I was never one to seek approval from a five-year-old but man.......that made my day. :D

At least I know I did something right.