Teaching Kindergarten means witnessing those first moments of learning for children

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by Paul Merrigan
This Week Staff

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Another school year means another new batch of students for teachers province wide. For many teachers, there is a familiarity with students who are returning, but for kindergarten teachers, each year involves the responsibility of giving these students their first impression of school, learning and the education process.

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Rebecca Doucette in her classroom at Evergreen Park School.

Rebecca Doucette, from Evergreen Park School, is one of the lucky few who each year welcome our four- and five- year olds into schools and help them to adjust to their new routine.

"I have been teaching for 12 years, the last nine being at the Kindergarten level," explains Rebecca. "I am very happy to be at Evergreen Park School with its wonderful staff and the supportive parents we have in our community."

Having received her education degree from UPEI, Rebecca has always viewed learning as an important part of a young person's life and seemed to have an interest in helping young mind's to learn and grow from very early on in her life.

"When I was younger I often visited my aunt in Rexton who had three young children," says Rebecca. "I would help them when they were having difficulty and my aunt often remarked to me that I had a great deal of patience. I would try various strategies to ensure they learned the concepts. I guess she was the one who inspired me to later enter the teaching profession."

Dealing with such young children can provide challenges, but with the right attitude and approach, the rewards can also be quite significant.

"I enjoy teaching at the Kindergarten level for many reasons," Rebecca explains. "When they come to us in September, many are insecure but eager to learn. It is very rewarding to witness how quickly they gain independence and acquire literacy skills."

This growth and witnessing the learning process develop is something which is of particular significance to Rebecca.

"My favourite time of the year must be when they finally acquire the skills to read and write independently," says Rebecca. "I love the look on their faces when they realize that they finally have acquired the tools and power to do it themselves.

"You can actually see the amazement and satisfaction on their eager little faces. It's like witnessing the light bulb turning on over their heads."

Even with the time and energy commitment required to face the challenge of brand new students, Rebecca feels quite fortunate to be doing what she does and to be working with the other teachers and staff at her school.

"Though it seems overwhelming at times, I survive and succeed because my amazing kindergarten team strongly believes in working as a team that generously shares ideas and resources," states Rebecca. "Gone is the day when a teacher closed the door and had to work in isolation."

This collaborative approach works wonders within schools and, more importantly, outside of the school walls and at home as well.

"Teachers today also take courses and attend professional development sessions on their own time in order to learn new methods that will make them the best teacher they can be," says Rebecca.

"With the support from parents and organizations in the community we will have a greater success in achieving that goal. As teachers try to develop students into becoming lifelong learners and productive citizens, then we too must continue to learn."