I've always enjoyed teaching, but for one reason or another every other school year has been very stressful for me. For six years I taught for probably the most mis-managed school district in the area. When I finally left, I moved to a district whose art department was making a huge transition. My first year there I was one of the busiest art teachers in the district with two schools, 640 students, and 33 classes each week. I was also finishing a master's in art education, and I moved from the middle level to the elementary.
This year is different. I am teaching at only one school and have just over 300 students each week. I have ample plan time, and I am able to offer needed assistance to classroom teachers, office staff, and the district art department. I can enjoy my students because I am prepared for them when they walk in the room. My job is not only do-able; it's fun!
Today I taught my first ever pre-kindergarteners. They were SO MUCH fun! They are so eager to explore. We focused on exploring colors today. We started with coloring on white and black paper using only the primary colors. Then we moved on to mixing colors by squishing modeling clay together. They love learning, and they really are all about process! I've seen the product from other art teachers pre-k classes and wondered about the value of having three year olds produce paintings of candy corn that all look alike. Now I'm certain that not only was it not fun for anyone in the classroom, it's not what learners that age need at all. Why squelch that awesome curiosity? Then we have to teach them to be curious again when they get older!
There's a whole host of reasons why the average pre-schooler needs to explore and discover. My early childhood kiddos need this exploration all the more; many of them have developmental delays. The program they are in allows them to adjust to school and develop much needed skills early on to help them be successful in a kindergarten classroom.
The really cool thing about this awesome school year: I get paid to have this much fun! I wish, hope, and pray that all teachers could have as much plan time as I do right now. Our teachers would be heathier and our kids would learn a whole lot more.