I actually don’t clearly remember the first Kindergarten English class I taught. I do know that I was nervous, stressed (about teaching), and worried about the kind of things many first time teachers at this level are:
- Will the kids like me?
- What happens if I can’t control the children?
- Will I look silly dancing in front of them?
- What if a game bombs?
- What if I run out of things to do?
- I know nothing about teaching kindergarten age children. Will they be able to learn much from me?
- What if the child has an ‘accident’ in the class?
- How do I handle the kids that are crying?
- Can the teaching assistants tell that I don’t know what I’m doing?
Most of those fears are actually unfounded.
After a few classes, most new Kindergarten English teachers settle in, and aren’t stressed so much about most of those issues.
The exceptions might be the fear of games/activities failing, and running out of things to do. One colleague remarked to me a while back that that fear never leaves you. At the kindergarten level though, games are relatively easy to think up on the spot.
With respect to the children liking you, that usually isn’t an issue.
In Vietnam, the children are generally very accepting. I was never the person that my nieces and nephews would run to at the Christmas celebration. And even though it has taken a very long time to accept this, I know now that children like and enjoy my classes and teaching style.
One of the best pieces of advice I could give you for your first class is to enjoy it.
If you’re having fun, so will the kids.
The children won’t know if you’re a good teacher or not. But they will quickly be able to tell if you’re unsure, hesitant, or afraid.
In any case, if you’re a beginning teacher, your school will know that you’re not going to be a good teacher for a period of time. Therefore you should focus your initial efforts on becoming comfortable in class, and enjoying the lesson.
Another time, I’ll share with you some ideas for your first lesson.
