Team Work

There are 8 developmental kindergarten teachers at my school. This is because DK for my district is centrally located at my school. I have to admit that although a team of 8 is very huge with all different ideas, opinions, and personalities, I do not know how I could possibly start and survive this year without all of the support. I often wonder what my year would be like if I was the only DK teacher at one school...let's just say the thought never ends well. We talk as a team about what we are doing now that makes DK being together beneficial. I think the benefits are almost limitless. I have 7 other people to laugh and cry with. I have enough lesson plans, ideas, books, and crafts within my fingertips to fill the Library of Congress. I have 7 other people that can play "good cop" and "bad cop" at any given time. I have 160 other students in my grade level to have fun with. We started a new thing this year called "Move, Groove, and Learn". My class calls it "Together Time". Every day at 1pm, whoever wants to join comes to my room (or Molly's or Lisa's..just depends on the day) for educational songs, rhymes, dancing and videos for about 30-40 minutes. THE STUDENTS LOVE IT. LITERALLY BEG FOR IT. I love it too. It gives me a chance to get to know the other kids and basically just be downright silly! We have only been doing it for 3 weeks, but I already see a world of difference in my students. It's expanding their frame of reference a little more every single day. If you have the chance or the time, you need to do it in your classroom too. It doesn't matter how long or what you cover. Just do it. The kids need the social exposure. They need the movement. They need each other. However, I do have to say that not everything is rainbows and butterflies, but that's my job. My career is not easy, but every day, no matter how challenging, it is worth it. I always say "If you aren't laughing, you're crying so you might as well laugh" and that is the honest to God truth. So thank you to my team for your constant support and guidance. I appreciate it more than you even know!