This question is for preschool teachers?

Justin Casten: I'm a 20-year veteran Kindergarten teacher, but can I add my two cents?Sadly, kids today seem "behind" in kindergarten (in large, metro areas anyhow) if they don't already know their letters and sounds, numbers, and have some handwriting skills. I am not one of those teachers who think that preschoolers (or kindergarteners) should be in their seats working... in fact, I'm having a hard time finding a preschool for my own child that is "developmentally-appropriate." But WOW! Expectations sure have changed over the years!...Show more

Kalyn Proietto: Hi. I am an Early Childhood Teacher and I work in a Preschool.1) We have a School next to us and they advise us of what their expectations are of the children coming to Kindergarten. Enthusiasm Toward LearningSolid Oral-Language SkillsThe Ability to ListenThe Desire to Be IndependentThe Ability to Play Well with OthersStrong Fine-Motor SkillsBasic Letter and Number Recognition2) I observe children and find ! their interests, strengths and needs and plan experiences to promote their developments and learning. I offer alot of choice and uninterrupted play time so children can work independently and explore and problem solve. I plan stimulating and challenging small group experiences which children learn in an assisted environment acedemic subjects like maths, language, technology and science. Things like cutting activities, sequencing, writing etc.3) Provide experiences for social and dramatic play so children can express themselves. Talk about school and in term 4 we take them on school visits once a week so they can experience different lessons which they would do at school such as; school library visit (borrowing books), Lunch visit (going to canteen) Storytime visit, sport visit, craft visit, computer visit and craft visit.4) To provide children and families with a warm friendly and welcoming environment where children are offered a safe and happy environment and given the ! opportunity to experience and learn through play and to prepar! e them for school.5) Continue on from what they have started to learn at preschool;personal independence and confidence, development of literacy and numeracy skills6) I think that kindergarten teachers have high expectations and what children do at preschool should not affect the expectations of a kindergarten teacher.Some children do not even go to preschool so already they may be at a different accademic/social level to a child who has gone to preschool. I think at preschool children should be exposed to learning through play and building all their developmental skills but not have the pressure of meeting the expectations of what kindergarten teachers want which in my opinion is their job to do....Show more