How to Survive Your First Day of Teaching Preschool

Survive Your First Day of Teaching Preschool ~ for teachers of young children

The first day of preschool can be stressful for teachers as well as children. The first day is all about establishing routines. Preschoolers love --- and need --- routines. The first day can be frightening because the children do not know what comes next. A good preschool teacher begins establishing routines right away.

Things You'll Need

• "Cookie's Week," a picture book by Cindy Ward
• Non-sugary snacks (such as cheese sticks and whole grain crackers)
• Puppet, stuffed animal or real classroom critter

Instructions

1. Conduct "circle time" and play games that enable children to learn each other's names. "Bippity Boppity Bumblebee, Won't You Say Your Name For Me" is a fun name game for circle time.

2. Read "Cookie's Week" by Cindy Ward. This picture book is a sure-fire way to engage the children. Children love the impish antics of the naughty kitten named Cookie.

3. Serve a non-sugary snack --- something with a bit of protein and whole grains, such as cheese sticks and whole wheat crackers.

4. Introduce a classroom pet, such as a hamster, guinea pig or rabbit. The presence of such a pet serves as a wonderful distraction for children suffering from separation anxiety. If you don't have a live pet, a stuffed animal to hug may comfort a crying child.

5. Keep your sense of humor and and try not to stress. Be gentle and loving with the children.

Tips & Warnings

• Serve a non-sugary snack. Something with a bit of protein and whole grains...such as cheese sticks and whole wheat crackers. A good, nutritious snack helps a lot!

• A classroom pet (hamster, guinea pig, etc.,) is always a wonderful distraction for children suffering from separation anxiety. If you don't have a live pet, however, a stuffed puppy dog to hug is always a comfort to a crying child.

• Keep your sense of humor and stay in touch with your own Inner Preschooler! Try not to stress. Be gentle and loving with the children -- there are always a few tears that first day of preschool when it's time to say goodbye to Mom or Dad...but that soon passes as the children get involved painting or playing with playdough. The children soon learn that preschool is a fun and happy place to be.