Assistants

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Home : 2003 : September : 16

Assistants
By Elaine

I've taught Kdg. for 10 years and have never had an assistant. Five of those years were full day Kdg., five have been a.m./p.m. split. As far as doing it all: I don't tie the kids' shoelaces (it's not to be mean, but I
really don't have the time); I ask them to find a friend who will do it for them. Works every time. (As an aside: my wonderful student teacher last spring learned in her first day why I don't tie shoelaces. After tying about 6 laces, she stood up and said, "Oh, I get it. If I spend this much time tying shoelaces, I won't have time to teach!" We had a good laugh over that one!) Anyway,

I get centers ready before school and/or during my lunch time. I teach my students how to clean up all of their play areas so I don't have to. The clean up that is left for me is minimal. We pretty much don't waste a minute in our short day. I have ONE parent that I've used for several years to help me with assessments. She's the only one I trust. I have other parents who come in occasionally to help with a specific project. Otherwise, I run a pretty tight ship with firm discipline and high expectations.