With the new semester, I have begun my new field placement which is at McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Kindergarten.   The past week and a half has been quite a learning experience.  Since I was in fourth grade last semester, my students were relatively self-sufficient, and although I had to explain things to them when assignments were given, it is nothing like what I have to do in Kindergarten.  I have learned that it is important to explain every step of every task multiple times for the little ones.  Also, since many of them have not been in school before, it is also reminding them of how we do things in school (bathroom breaks) and how we should treat our peers. 

One thing that I have been surprsised about Kindergarten is how much it has changed.  We expect a lot from our young students.  They are expected to be on point from 8a.m. until 2 p.m. with no snack and no nap time.  Also, my teacher very rarely gives them recess, so there is no outlet for their energy.  If I end up teaching  Kindergarten I will definitely make it a point to give them some exercise and keep in mind their age – I think that by doing that you are on your way to guaranteeing a successful year.