“It is greater work to educate a child, in a true and larger sense of the world, than to rule a state.”
Willia Ellery Channing
Profoundness today, eh Spidey!
And apt, as always, to my situation.
I have completed my first week in my new classroom, with my first very own class.
A group of 30 children who are my responsibility for the next academic year.
That’s a BIG responsibility.
Yes, they are 4-5 years-old.
No, they aren’t going to learn how to write a novel/solve complex equations/create scientific formulas this year.
But what I will have to teach them is to love learning.
- How to hold a pencil
- How to count
- How to recognise their name and write it
- How to begin to read
Simple academics, but on top of that, and more importantly, I need to teach them how to be compassionate, caring individuals. I need to show them that the world doesn’t revolve around them individually, but rather they, and their actions keep our world turning.
I must show then that asking questions is not wrong, but a way of extending their own knowledge. Every question they ask can be explored, investigated.
I have to make sure they develop confidence; conquer the fear of “I can’t do that” and convert it into “I can’t do that, yet.” and further, to “I will try that” onto “I did it!”
It’s a tough job, being an Early Years teacher. The syllabus isn’t as cut and dried as other years.
But I have the joy of (hopefully) creating a stable foundation for my class. A solid beginning to their academic career, so they move forward with an open mind and joy of learning.
So… tell me, what is the first memory you have of school?
thereluctantpoet
Sep 09, 2019 @ 01:04:24
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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tidalscribe
Sep 09, 2019 @ 00:26:23
I remember my first class room had words all round the wall and I worried I would never understand to, too and two! But I don’t remember learning how to read.
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Ritu
Sep 09, 2019 @ 06:50:30
It’s strange, isn’t it? I don’t remember how I learned to read, but I know there were always books in my life!
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thereluctantpoet
Sep 08, 2019 @ 23:48:47
Wow! Loved your post – especially “But what I will have to teach them is to love learning.” That’s one of the best gifts in life!!! Lucky you get to do that!!! The work of a teacher is a sacred trust – to care and direct the heart and soul of a child! Perhaps, that is the reason most people credit a teacher with having the greatest impact on their lives!!!
xoxo
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Ritu
Sep 09, 2019 @ 06:49:32
It’s a big job… If you get it wring, you scar them instead…. Thank you 😊
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OIKOS™-Publishing
Sep 08, 2019 @ 20:13:15
I think with you efforts creating a wondwrful learn space, they will become the best persons ever. Not to forget you are a very dedicated teacher too. Have a wonderful week, Sis! Best wishes, Michael
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 20:20:13
Thank you dear Bro!
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OIKOS™-Publishing
Sep 08, 2019 @ 23:04:26
It will work for you, Sis! I am sure.
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 23:23:19
Fingers crossed ❤
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OIKOS™-Publishing
Sep 09, 2019 @ 08:23:45
❤❤ Yes!
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John W. Howell
Sep 08, 2019 @ 19:43:29
My early school days were delightful. I had some really good teachers and loved going. Best wishes for this school year.
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 20:03:44
I’m so glad you had good memories 😊
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syl65
Sep 08, 2019 @ 18:05:51
I’m sure you’ll make it a fun learning environment and experience for the littles ones Sister 💜
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 20:01:34
We’re having lunch together with them this week, Brother… 😬
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syl65
Sep 09, 2019 @ 04:08:17
Haha, good times, Sister 😄
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Ritu
Sep 09, 2019 @ 06:51:45
😂
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Jim Borden
Sep 08, 2019 @ 17:53:58
wonderful quote; best of luck with your students!
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 17:54:13
Thank you Jim!
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Jennie
Sep 08, 2019 @ 13:15:14
I love this!
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 14:06:49
Thanks Jennie 💋
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Jennie
Sep 08, 2019 @ 14:24:12
You’re, Ritu! ❤️
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Erika Kind
Sep 08, 2019 @ 11:16:51
I agree with the quote, because the kids we educate today may be the rulers of tomorrow.
My first memory of my first day of school (first grade, and age 6 – the one to two years below are called kindergarten over here): I was desperately looking for my classroom. We visited the classroom before and the teacher showed us the door. It was yellow. So I was looking for a yellow door. The problem was that all the doors were yellow… 😱
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 11:21:54
Oh no! That is so confusing, Sis!!!!!! All our doors are pale blue!
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Erika Kind
Sep 08, 2019 @ 11:28:25
Totally!! I ran from one room to the next. Hung my coat (it was a very rainy day too) on the coat rack and lined up only to realize it was the wrong room… repeated this for a few times and was completely overwhelmed. At least I know the floor and the hallway… lol!
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 11:35:52
Aw bless you 🥰
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Erika Kind
Sep 08, 2019 @ 17:08:00
Thank you, sis! Today I am laughing about it because history repeats at times when even in different pitures… lol!
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 17:10:56
😅
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Erika Kind
Sep 08, 2019 @ 17:11:27
💁♀️😂
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bereavedandbeingasingleparent
Sep 08, 2019 @ 10:19:12
Your doing a great job. It’s the most important job in the world.
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 10:21:05
Thank you 🙏🏽💜
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Darlene
Sep 08, 2019 @ 08:27:15
You have such an important job. these children will be the future of our world and a good start in school is so important. You are the best person for the job. They are so lucky! xo
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 10:20:47
Thank you so much Darlene 🙏🏽
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meenawalia
Sep 08, 2019 @ 07:13:25
Really respect teachers teaching toddlers the very basic things.i have had the toughest time teaching just three.Hats off really
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 08:09:02
Thanks Meena 💜
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joylennick
Sep 08, 2019 @ 07:07:26
You’re doing a grand job, Ritu. Writing my name in a sand-tray and being chosen to play the triangle and tambourine in the class band. (NO it did not lead to orchestral fame, but I played a mean record on our turn-table gramophone..) xx.
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Ritu
Sep 08, 2019 @ 08:08:43
The sand tray! Always fun!!!
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