Hindman

My Time in Kindergarten

I observed an ESL (English Second Language) kindergarten class at Aikin Elementary.

My mentor teacher was Sharon Yerby. Aikin Elementary is a part of Paris Independent School
District.
While observing in this kindergarten class I learned more than I ever dreamed. I observed
the teacher encouraging every student that entered her classroom. Students would occasionally
have trouble learning a new topic, because of their language barrier. Whenever this occurred, she
would put forth her very best effort into that student getting the education that they deserved. I
learned that no matter how difficult it may be to educate students that have a language barrier
that an educator should never give up on those students.
Kindergarten is a unique grade to observe. I greatly enjoyed observing kindergarten, there
is no other grade quite like it. Every student has their own amazing personality and their own
unique way of learning. Being in the classroom you will learn that and learn to appreciate the
students. I enjoyed that every student in the class would put forth their best effort, and even on
days they had discipline problems the next day was an automatic fresh start. The students were
so forgiving and loving to every person they encountered. The students themselves and their
personalities are what I enjoyed most about my experience.
It was a wonderful experience to observe that kindergarten class. Yes, I still want to
become a teacher. More specifically I want to become a kindergarten teacher. Before this
experience I had been debating what grade I wanted to teach. This cemented my belief that I
want to be a kindergarten teacher. The students are amazing and making a difference in their
lives exactly what I choose to do with mine. If possible, I want to make the lives of those unique
and amazing kindergarteners a little better by having a teacher who believes in them and
encourages them to do the very best that they can.
The teacher had a wonderful relationship with her students. She always put forth her very
best effort to educate her students. Even if it seems that the students can not possibly understand
the concept the teacher gives them one on one time and does everything, she can to help them.
She greeted the students every single morning and asked them how they were doing. Former
students would even come back in the classroom to greet her. This teacher has an amazing and
lasting impressions on her students. There were some students who were less fortunate than
others, she would try everything that she could to help those students and make sure that they
had the things they needed to persevere. The students love having her as a teacher. Not only do
the students love her they respect her and her form of discipline in the classroom. Her classroom
is a very positive and wonderful learning environment.
The teacher is excellent at adapting to multiple learning styles. Some students in the
classroom are easily distracted so the teacher takes measures to promote their learning. She does
the same for students who are learning at a higher level. The teacher does everything in her
power to promote the students learning and to ensure their success. Such as interpersonal. There
Hindman

are students in her class that are very shy and do not interact well with others. In order to correct
that she has the students that are shy sit with her very social and friendly students. Once they
begin to interact, he student who was shy before becomes more open and begins to learn better
than before. Auditory is another learning style that is promoted in this classroom. Students with
language barriers may need to hear something more than one time, so she repeats instructions, or
has one on one time with that student so that they get what they need in order to succeed. She
does this for every student in her class.
The lessons are student centered. The students are encouraged to lead discussion and to
help with the teaching of a lesson. Students are asked to volunteer to answer questions and read
out loud with the class. Questions are greatly encouraged in this classroom. The teacher believes
that any means necessary to improve the students learning, and to help them to succeed. There
was no specific teaching philosophy exhibited. The teacher mainly focuses the students needs
and the measures that need to be taken for the students to succeed.
I will be taking away from the teachers discipline methods. From the very beginning the
of the school year she implements strict rules and expectations for the students. Once the
students learn what those expectations and rules are, they can put forth their best effort and learn.
The students are informed of consequences that will be implemented in response to their actions.
Once they learn that their actions have consequences they can succeed. I believe that strong
discipline accompanied by a loving teacher is the best type of classroom environment possible.