Ideas and Inspiration for Early Childhood

The Truth About Teaching Kindergarten

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Last month, I wrote about 10 Things Your Kindergarten Student Wants You to Know. This month, I wanted to share The Truth About Teaching Kindergarten – a bit more about what Kindergarten teachers may want you to know!

The Truth About Teaching Kindergarten

If you are a Kindergarten teacher, you likely already know everything that I am about to say in this post. You know what goes into a typical day in Kindergarten. You know what Kindergarten teachers and students do each and every day.

I used to think everyone understood what goes on in Kindergarten. At least, until I began to be on the receiving end of comments such as these:  (please note that I understand these were sometimes said with the best intentions!)

“Oh, you teach Kindergarten – that must be pretty easy, right?”

“You really like Kindergarten? I would have guessed you would like something a bit more challenging where you do more.”

“Ahh, Kindergarten is fun, you get to teach them the alphabet!”

“It must be fun to play with the kids all day.”

“What do you mean you can’t join us? School gets out at 2:30 right?”

“Oh they are just so cute! They must be all day long.”

“Back in my day, we had 30 kids in a class, 25 kinders isn’t many.”

“Kindergarten? Well at least they don’t have to learn too much in Kindergarten.”

What’s REALLY Happening?

I used to (and sometimes still do honestly) get really annoyed at these comments and feel the need to defend myself and kindergarten teachers everywhere.

Then I realized that the people making these comments actually aren’t making them to be rude. I’ve come to realize that honestly, they just don’t know the truth about Kindergarten.

They think they are just making conversation and actually perhaps giving compliments. People just don’t know, and can I fault them for that?

If I could guarantee that everyone in the world would read this post, that would be glorious. I know the reality is that the people who read this post are probably already teachers. But, I am ok with that! We can stand together and know what really goes on in Kindergarten.

Here’s the Real Story

Here is the TRUTH about teaching Kindergarten (from the eyes of this kindergarten teacher anyway) in direct response to those comments:

“Oh, you teach kindergarten – that must be pretty easy, right?” 


-Kindergarten is most definitely not easy. I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade as well where, yes, the content grows and gets more complicated, but I find kindergarten to be the hardest, in my opinion (and still my favorite) of all. (Not to say other grades aren’t hard – teaching is hard!) You are taking some students who come in literally not knowing any letters or numbers, and unlocking the keys to literacy and math!

Have you looked at the most current standards for what Kindergarteners need to know? (I guess if you aren’t a teacher this probably wouldn’t be your weekend leisure reading 🙂  ) It is not simply ABC’s and 123’s but rather things such as: fluently adding and subtracting within 5, decomposing numbers to 10, adding and subtracting within 10, reading CVC words and high frequency words and much, much more.

When I taught older grades, if a student was struggling, I could go back to “the basics” and build up from there. In Kindergarten, we kind of are the basics! If you ask me, sometimes the basics can be the hardest of all to teach, because they are the foundation pieces of future learning.

Forget academics for a minute. Some things we take for granted in a classroom (lining up, going to the bathroom, sitting down, putting things away, etc.) many Kindergarteners have NO IDEA how to do at the beginning of the year!

If you think getting 25 Kindergarteners in a line to follow you somewhere on the first day is easy, think again. (I am telling you, they wander, they don’t understand to follow the person in front of them until many train songs and practice sessions later. If you don’t believe me, come visit me in September.)   🙂

Forget routines for a minute. Let’s talk social skills. Kindergarten is a HUGE year for learning social skills.

Things such as taking turns, conversations with peers, how to handle when you don’t get your way, managing emotions. Those things are taught and fostered each day in kindergarten and do not just “happen.” They also aren’t easy to teach.

This is different than having children at home, where yes, VERY important (perhaps the most important) learning is happening. This is a whole classroom of children at once, each needing social skills support in different areas.

“You really like kindergarten? I would have guessed you would like something a bit more challenging where you do more.”


I am not sure what you mean by do more. In Kindergarten, I don’t think I ever sit down, unless I am reading a story or working with a small group. I am constantly on the go, assessing, evaluating, teaching, helping, nurturing, and much more.

If you mean more challenging by more challenging content, see above about why Kindergarten content isn’t necessarily “easy” to teach.

“Ahh, kindergarten is fun, you get to teach them the alphabet!”


Yes, I do get to teach them the alphabet, and that IS fun! I also teach them what those letters mean and how they relate to our everyday world and reading.

Phonemic awareness, number sense, patterning, life skills, social skills, are more ways I get to prepare them for their journey in school and life.

“It must be fun to play with the kids all day.”


I do have fun teaching, and we do play in Kindergarten! I am very blessed to be in a school that supports the importance of play at this age. However, “all day” is a bit of a stretch, and I think the term “play” is not correctly understood.

When children are engaging with centers and toys (kitchen, blocks, legos, books, dramatic play, sensory) they are NOT “just playing.” They are:
-building social skills
-taking turns
-learning how to have conversations
-learning real life skills and applications
-doing math
-reading
-working on fine motor skills
-being inquirers
-making connections and much, much more

“What do you mean you can’t join us? School gets out at 2:30,  right?”


My students leave at 2:30 yes. I am allowed to leave at 4. Do I? Not often.

There is lesson planning, room preparing, paperwork, evaluations, data, and much, MUCH more. A teacher’s work is truly never done.

“Oh they are just so cute! They must be dolls all day long.”


Yes, however, they are also 5 and 6 years old and learning how to navigate this world of school.

Their social skills are developing and depending on personalities each day can be very different from the next. They may cry, have tantrums, lash out, need more support with interactions, be tired, cranky, and more.

This is to be expected sometimes and it is my job to help them grow! It just, however, isn’t always so “cute.”    🙂

“Back in my day, we had 30 kids in a class, 25 kinders isn’t many”


If you asked your teacher I bet he/she would disagree.   🙂  The higher the number of students means less one on one time with students. I can assure you I work HARD to ensure that my kids feel like they are the one and only and I ensure that each and every child’s individual needs are met. But I can guarantee that if I had a smaller class size it would be even stronger.

I have heard before “You are doing great with that many kids!”  So my response is “Well, then imagine what I could do with less!”

While I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world, I know for a fact that smaller class sizes have a significant impact on teachers and students both.

“Kindergarten? Well at least they don’t have to learn too much in kindergarten.”


I don’t think I need to answer this one actually. See above.   🙂

No matter if you are a teacher or not, each job in this world has its place and is special in its own way. I truly believe that we can’t fully understand someone’s job unless we do it ourselves.

My hope is that these thoughts can provide a bit of a glimpse into not just a Kindergarten teacher’s day, but really any teacher’s day!

I love teaching. It is such a huge part of me that I can’t really imagine doing anything else! So, for all you teachers out there, Kindergarten or not, keep on doing what you do best!

This post was not meant to just defend or share the hard things I do in a day. I want to end on this positive note of the many wonderful things I do (and every other teacher too) every day!

What would YOU add as a truth about teaching Kindergarten (or being a teacher in general?) Or what would you add as something you LOVE about teaching? Comment below! Then check out 7 (funny) signs that you are a Kindergarten teacher.

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Comments

  1. Robin Ebaugh

    Excellent post! Yes, I've heard all of those same comments and sometimes it's really frustrating. People just don't understand. And one thing that ups the stress level is the almost-constant testing we're required to do in K now. I wish I could just teach…

    Reply

    • Alex John

      Hi Robin! I agree sometimes things can get so overwhelming. I always have to remind myself to pause and reflect on the many amazing things of teaching! I truly love kinders – and kind of like what you said, when we can just teach, that is the best part! Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply

  2. A Teacher's Heart

    Every word of it is so true! I almost feel like an actress some days…I tell everyone that there is nothing like knowing 20 five year olds will be walking through your door, at 7:30am, every day, depending on you for their every need AND their education. 🙂

    I LOVE their innocence and joy about the smallest, seemingly insignificant things. They teach me every day to appreciate the little things in life.

    http://ateacherheart.blogspot.com

    Reply

    • Alex John

      Isn't it amazing how much we can learn from our students? I agree that they teach us everyday in some way – like you said, one of those ways is to appreciate the little things. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment!

      Reply

  3. Cam Hudson

    I finally got tired of the following statement "You don't need a degree to teach kindergarten right?" I displayed my college and masters diplomas in my classroom. Your article is great. Thanks from a 38 year teacher all in Kindergarten:)

    Reply

    • Alex John

      Thank you so much Jaime! I really appreciate you taking the time to read the post and leave such a sweet comment! My hope was to get across a point but hopefully in a loving way from my heart (that is tricky with typing where people can't read tone!) so I appreciate your comment! 🙂

      Reply

    • Alex John

      Hi Sarah! I tried again, but for some reason when I click post comment, nothing happens. The page doesn't do anything. I clicked refresh and tried again, but nothing. Darn!! It maybe is something on my end. I loved your post and so appreciate you linking up!! 🙂 I loved, LOVED your last line about spending a year in the lives of these future artists, professors, creators, etc.

      Reply

  7. suzcraig

    Hi Alex! I loved your post and glad you did a linky party. I first taught in California with class size reduction 20:1. It was awesome! I would love to have class size reduction again at some point!
    Suzanne @Kindergarten Planet

    Reply

  8. Tanja Dennis

    Great post! I must say, I continuously get "You must have had an easy day, you guys just play all day anyway don't you?" from other teachers (yes, I find that part appalling), but no one else ever seems keen to take up the 'easy' Kindergarten post! 😉 THEN it's like, "oh, I could NEVER handle it! I don't know how you do it!" LOL! I always find the quick change of opinion pretty funny.

    Rock on K Teachers! x

    Reply

  11. Jennifer Drake

    Spot on Alex! I am proud to say I have 'survived' kindergarten for 15 years- and although there is no other grade I would ever want to teach, I don't think anyone really understands everything that goes into being a kindergarten teacher! The hats we wear, and the lives we touch, wrap circles around the world! My fondest memories are of my own kindergarten teacher- other teacher flow in and out of memory- but Mrs. Edwards and her duck skirt, piano playing, hair in a bun, always there with a smile and hug lives in me each day. Your post made me think of that quote that has been floating around… 'Everyone is in awe of the lion tamer in a cage with half a dozen lion…everyone but a kindergarten teacher!'
    I think there wouldn't be a kindergarten teacher that would disagree with any of your statements!
    Thanks for the great post!
    Jenn
    Crayons & Cuties In Kindergarten

    Reply

  13. Karen W.

    I teach kindergarten and can't imagine teaching anything else now. However, I do get frustrated by comments on occasion. The best was while I taught Early Childhood Special Education. It was a self-contained and a cross categorical classroom. All my students had IEPs and I actually had another teacher say "Come on, you're just babysitting, right?" Your post is great and I too, wish that everyone would read your blog!

    Reply

  14. alwayskindergarten

    I'm in my 13th year in Kindergarten and I wouldn't trade it for anything. One thing that many people don't know is that not only are we introducing the students to elementary school but we're also introducing their parents! That can sometimes be more work than what we are doing in the classroom. Such a great post! Thank you for this!

    Reply

  15. pitkospuut

    That's true in Finnish preschools as well. 🙂 Though our kids might be there from 8 to 17 and the teachers may not have any time for planning etc. That's a really negative thing in our Early Childhood Education system… And still I love being a teacher, as crazy as it sounds. 😉
    – Susanna

    Reply

  16. Amy Cohn

    Thank you so much for such an acculturate post describing what teaching Kindergarten is really like. I think those who do not teach do not grasp how a teacher's day is spent. I think there is little understanding of how much of our time also goes to educating and teaching parents. Kindergarten is the introduction to elementary school. Sometimes we spend as much time teaching parents as we do their children.

    Reply

  17. Liz

    A wonderful post, Alex. Behaviour issues can be frustrating, especially at the beginning of the year. All it takes is one child being disruptive and there goes the next 15 mins you were going to use for phonics. That’s why older grade teachers don’t want Kinder… it can be completely unpredictable at times!

    Reply

  18. Chantal

    Loved reading this.
    I taught kindergarten for 3 years and this war I’m in grade 2/3, by choice, but I have to be honest… I really miss my K’s and I’m not really enjoying the older grade.
    I think it’s important to note that Kindergarten is a child’s first taste of school and I every time a parent tells me “thank you so much for making his/her first year so enjoyable! He/She absolutely loves going to school” it makes my heart bubble over. Kindergarten is the basics, and if they don’t get the basics, the journey through school will be much harder.
    I’m hoping to get through this eat and move back to K next year.

    Reply

    • Alex

      Best of luck on your journey this year! I hope it goes so well, but I also hope you get to go back to Kinder if you want – it is definitely a special year! You are right, it is so wonderful when they enjoy school and love to be there – definitely makes my heart happy too! 🙂

      Reply

  19. Lynn

    Loved this! I’m 31 years in…K since fall of 2005. It is by far the hardest, most rewarding grade. The only thing you missed that I’d add is teaching the parents what school is all about from a usually new perspective. Making them comfortable and earning their trust is so key in September, as well.

    Reply

  21. V

    Hi Alex
    I loved this post it says it all in a nut shell. I currently teach PK and those statements are said to me all the time with the added ones ” So its like babysitting right, playing with the preschoolers all day” and ” I don’t know how you do it you must just tie shoes and wipe noses all day.” I cant help but get angry sometimes and want to get on my soap box and reiterate the words you posted but then I realize these statements come from people who have a complete misunderstanding of what early childhood is all about. I just smile and say ” I love my job how about you?”

    Reply

    • Alex

      I SO understand where you are coming from – aren’t those comments frustrating? We do get them in kinder, but I agree you get added ones on Pre-K. My mom was a preschool teacher for 35 years and people always had those types of comments. She finally got the attitude like you did – just realizing they simply don’t get it. I love your response! Exactly – how many people can say they honestly love their job? We know we can! 🙂

      Reply

  22. Lainie

    Thank you Sarah!! Well….I used to say Kindergarten must be the easiest grade to teach….Until I became a K teacher. Truly the most CHALLENGING, yet the MOST rewarding grade I have ever taught! After teaching from college all the way down to K, I would NEVER trade K. Days I laugh, I cry (for good and bad reasons), I rejoice, I get angry. All worth it! The payback is HUGE in so many ways! My kids teach me as much as I teach them, and some days they surpass me. I LOVE MY JOB, not a job, a BLISS! Love the comment of taking my work for a ride😄.

    Reply

    • Carmen Lau

      Hi Lanie. I am a college teacher and now I’d love to study a degree in childhood education. May I ask you what makes you changing from college all the way down to K?

      Reply

  23. Jennifer

    Yes! This is my first year in K (after 7 in 2nd, 3rd, and mainly 4th) and wow is Kinder a totally different beast than the upper grades! As a teacher in general I’ve come to realize that if our job description were actually accurately written, it would be thicker than a Sunday newspaper.

    Reply

  24. Janice Leicht

    Elementary Teachers teach children. Secondary Teachers teach subjects; The general public has no idea what it is like to be a teacher. I think (after 26 years) that the hardest thing about our job is the fact that we are never finished. It doesn’t matter who or what your teaching there is always more that could be prepared and there is never enough time. Thanks to each of you for your opinions.

    Reply

  25. Meredith

    I feel bad for probably having said all the things you listed above to Kindergarten teachers when I was younger and didn’t have kids yet. Now that I have my third child in Kindergarten I know how challenging it is! I drive a school bus and I know all about how the little ones don’t know how to behave yet. There are lots of reminders about appropriate safety and social behaviors on the bus. Some kids take the whole year to improve but they are my favorite age! I love the big bright eyed looks they give when they are telling you something that happened.

    Reply

  26. Martha Heckenberg

    First impressions last a life time. What a challenge and a blessing to be the one that marks the child with the wanna learn ability. I shall never forget my first grade teacher and most if not all of my elementary teachers. They did a lot to instill the motivation to learn. Good teachers are priceless!! Gloria, you are one of those that the kids will never forget!!

    Reply

  27. Sherryl Boother

    Thank you. I feel acknowledged and appreciated reading your post as must so many others teaching children of this age. It’s unforgivable when collegues make the statements too. I wish parents and the wider community would read your lovely article.i

    Reply

    • Mandy

      Bless your heart, Sherryl! Yes, I agree, the wider community needs to have more empathy and understanding of children in the classroom setting at this age. Thanks for reading!

      Reply

  28. Marianne Flanagan

    I loved reading this. It is so true. I am a Pre-K teacher and the same holds true for us. I start the year off by telling parents what their children are expected to know when they start kindergarten, and how early they start to teach reading and they are shocked. Then I tell them it is our job to get them ready for kindergarten. My friends and family cannot believe the sheer volume of things I download, laminate and have them cut out for me. It has given them all a different perspective on pre-school.I love teaching this age group. My greatest joy came this year when we were celebrating our 100 days. I asked the children what they could do now that they couldn’t do when they first came into our room. One of the girls said,””I know how to think now because you always ask me questions I have to think about.” That is why I teach.

    Reply

  29. Tobi Fitzgerald

    Hi Marianne,

    This was awesome! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am a special education teacher and have always taught in the inner-city populations and even in alternative schools. I have taught multiple grades and even some K students. I was interested in this because this upcoming year, I have accepted a position to teach a special education classroom with just kindergarteners. I am unbelievably excited about this change, but it is going to be a major change. It is no longer in the city and there is actually a long waiting list to get into the school. I am not saying there aren’t behaviors, but there will be a significant difference. I am a little nervous, but also excited about the challenge.

    I honestly believe that teaching youger students is much more difficult than the older students that I am used to teaching. I agree with you 100%. In fact, I feel like I am going to have to learn a whole new skill set. I am a lifelong learner, so I am all for it! I have been researching kindergarten teaching ever since I heard the news of my new job. I appreciate all of your information. I feel you cannot look at a 5 year old and assume anything. In many areas, they are a blank slate. The beauty of teaching kindergarten is that you are always working, always teaching, always caring, always loving, and always inspiring!

    I cannot wait to start this next phase of my life! Thank you so much for giving me a proper perspective on what it will be like for me. I actually read the answer to the first question to my husband, and he said, “Darn, this sounds much different than what you are used to! Are you sure you will be ok?” Lol, I know I will be great and love doing it, but he’s not a teacher! I also know it will not be easy as so many people believe! Thanks again!

    Tobi

    Reply

  30. Madison

    Thank you for posting this truthful article. I am sending my first child to kindergarten in 20 days and I am so nervous! Your post helped me understand kindergarten teachers a little more and gave me a bit of assurance that my child will be in good hands.

    Reply

    • Mandy

      Hi Madison,
      We are so happy you’ve found comfort in our article. It is so tough sending your first child off to kindergarten. I remember I was emotional for months every time I dropped off my daughter at Kindergarten. She was so excited and our school community was perfection. Even still it was hard to see her go. It’ll get easier as time goes on, I promise. My daughter is now in junior high. Sending her to school has been a wonderful experience and so much fun to watch her learn and grow. There’s so much to look forward to! Enjoy every moment, it goes by so fast!

      Reply

  31. Lori

    I am TRYING hard to not let all these snarky comments bother me when I hear them..it’s tough..but getting better at it. I taught full day k many years ago and just recently got back in the classroom after raising my boys…our k program is currrently half day. So I have 2 classes of 20…it’s exhausting…but I love what I do. We don’t have an assistant and about 50 min between classes to get set up again, eat, answer emails and make phone calls and oh have a team meeting. Not so glamorous! But wouldn’t trade it for the world. 💗

    Reply

  32. Erica

    I have considered being a kindergarten teacher for many years, but never pursued it for various reasons. Today I realized that this is my dream job and I should just go for it. I came across this blog and it just solidified that I would LOVE this job, despite (and sometimes because of) the challenges it comes with. Thank you so much for sharing the reality of kindergarten.

    Reply

    • Mandy

      Hi Erica!
      This is wonderful! Thank you for sharing with us. You will LOVE kindergarten! It definitely has it’s challenges but is so very rewarding. We wish you well on your journey!

      Reply

  35. Provence

    If teaching 30 kids is easy, why do so many of us parents get exhausted with our own 3 kids. Nobody wants to stay home anymore. I volunteered every week when my kids were in elementary school from K through 6 grade; as an art docent, math tutor, Everyone’s a Reader program, room parent, etc.. It is non stop energy, sometimes working through lunch, planning, prepping. I don’t know how teachers do it without a personal assistant. VOLUNTEER so teachers can focus on your kids and not do all the mundane copying, cutting, grading, cleaning, etc. So many parents hold back kids and some start at age 4, so a classes can have ages 4,5 and 6 all at different levels, cultures, backgrounds, special needs and behavior issues. And don’t forget, kids aren’t always disciplined, many are neglected, parents are overworked, too exhausted to even know what the child is learning. Teachers have masters degrees and ongoing education and then they have to deal with the government telling them how to teach. I personally would like to see government out of it, more competition for good teachers, and procedures to get rid of teachers that kids and parents know are not fit for the job.

    Reply

    • Mandy

      Hi there,
      These are all great points that you’ve brought up for sure! How wonderful that you’ve been so involved at your children’s school. What a gift that you’ve been to those teachers and students!
      Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
      Have a wonderful week!

      Reply

  36. Khing Arnhold

    I am deeply in love with everything you’ve said here. This also happens to be my weekend leisurely reading because I aspire to get my degree in ECE. I’m no teacher, just a young parent. The only reason I came across this is because I am watching my babies grow and I can’t help but dream of continuing to watch a young child’s mind expand and learn even with the tantrums as a job. I’m so excited to fall in love with a career path I’ve chosen finally before furthering my education. Reading this just made my heart melt and I can’t wait to be asked those questions just to feel the way you’ve described. That would mean that I made it. I’ve got a long way to go. Thank you for reading.

    Reply

  37. Taylor Wright

    It’s interesting that principles like taking turns are always taught in kindergarten. My sister is thinking about being a kindergarten teacher since she loves kids. I’ll share this with her so she can get a better understanding of what goes into being a kindergarten teacher.

    Reply

    • Michelle Ortega

      Taylor,

      I am so glad that you found this article enlightening. I hope that your sister enjoys it and finds it informative!
      Have a great weekend!

      Reply

  39. Jenna

    I am a parent volunteer twice a week in my sons kindergarten class. I had heard that they expect so much from kindergarteners in terms of reading and math. I started teaching my son reading basics at age 4 to give him a leg up. He is doing well in reading and writing. So many kids are struggling to keep up and there is a wide range of abilities in the classroom. It is a tough job to basically be teaching reading and writing when some of the kids are not ready or have not been exposed. I give so much credit to teachers. I can tell the administration at the school can put pressure on kindergarten classes to always be doing more. It is not good. There is simply way to much pressure on testing and metrics.

    Reply

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