#classroomexperience

When people hear I’m a kindergarten teacher, they often smile and say something like, "Aww, that must be so fun! All the cute drawings and story times!"

And yes—there are truly magical moments filled with giggles, glitter, and heart-shaped cards signed with backwards letters. But behind every joyful classroom lies something much deeper:

A great kindergarten teacher is more than a warm smile and a good singing voice. They’re a builder of confidence, a translator of feelings, and a guardian of early childhood wonder.

In this reflection, I want to unpack what I’ve learned truly makes a kindergarten teacher not just good—but great.

🌱 1. Patience: The Invisible Superpower

In a world that often rushes, patience is the quiet strength of a kindergarten classroom. It isn't just about waiting for 20 tiny shoes to be tied (though that's certainly part of it!). It’s about allowing each child to grow, learn, and process at their own, unique pace.

Great kindergarten teachers don’t rush.

They wait for a shy child to offer an answer, even if it takes a minute of silence.

They model how to tie a shoe fifty times without a hint of frustration.

They encourage effort over perfection, understanding that true learning takes time and many attempts.

They breathe through the inevitable spills, outbursts, and unexpected detours.

They know that the child who still cries at drop-off, or who won’t speak in circle time, needs time, understanding, and consistent reassurance, not pressure. They see the long game of development, celebrating small steps along the way.

👂 2. Listening Beyond Words: Tuning into Little Hearts

Sometimes, children speak loudest through their actions, their art, or even their silence. A great kindergarten teacher has the unique skill of listening beyond words, tuning into the underlying messages children are sending.

A great teacher listens to:

The child who is always “too quiet”: Is their silence a sign of deep observation, shyness, or perhaps a hidden worry? For example, observing that a quiet child always gravitates towards the book corner might tell you they find comfort in stories, offering a gentle entry point for connection.

The one who blurts out before thinking: This isn't always defiance; it could be overwhelming excitement, difficulty with impulse control, or a desperate need to share. Instead of just "Stop interrupting!", a great teacher might say, "Wow, you have so many wonderful ideas! Let's remember to raise our hands so everyone gets a turn to share their brilliant thoughts."

The child who hides behind their parent’s legs: This might indicate separation anxiety, a new situation, or simply needing a moment to warm up. A great teacher won't pull them away but might crouch down, offer a gentle smile, and say, "We'll be here when you're ready, [Child's Name]. I can't wait to show you our block area."

Listening, in kindergarten, means tuning into feelings as much as words. It's about empathy, observation, and deciphering the unspoken language of young children.

🎨 3. Creativity (and Not Just in Crafts): Innovating on the Fly

Being a great kindergarten teacher means constantly solving unexpected problems with playful, imaginative solutions. Creativity isn't just for art time; it's a dynamic approach to teaching and classroom management.

Creativity helps turn challenges into teachable (and magical) moments:

A forgotten lunch? Instead of just calling home, turn it into a spontaneous picnic lesson on sharing by dividing classroom snacks. "Who wants to share their apple slices with our friend today? Look how kind we can be!"

A rainy day disrupting outdoor play plans? Don't despair! Transform the classroom into a "Dance Party Math" session with jumping numbers. "Can you hop on the number 5? Now wiggle to the number 10!"

A meltdown over a broken crayon? Don't just dismiss it. Create a designated "Calm Corner" with soft pillows, stuffed animals, a "feelings mirror" (where they can practice making different emotional faces), and quiet activities like playdough or sensory bottles. "It's okay to feel sad about the crayon. Let's take a few deep breaths in our calm corner until your body feels ready to try again."

This kind of creativity keeps children engaged, flexible, and shows them that problems can be solved in fun, new ways.

🧠 4. Deep Knowledge of Child Development: Understanding the "Why"

Great kindergarten teachers don't just react to behaviors; they understand why children behave the way they do, rooted in a solid understanding of child development. This knowledge replaces frustration with empathy and guides effective responses.

They know:

That 4-year-olds aren’t "naughty" when they interrupt: Their brains are still developing self-control and impulse regulation. A teacher understands this isn't defiance, but an opportunity to teach turn-taking and social cues.

That imaginary friends are signs of healthy imagination and social development:Instead of discouraging them, they might incorporate the imaginary friend into play, fostering creativity. ("Oh, is Barnaby the Bear joining us for snack today? What's his favorite fruit?")

That fine motor struggles (like difficulty holding a pencil or cutting) might need support, not punishment: They understand that muscles and coordination are still developing and provide alternative tools, adaptive strategies, and specific practice opportunities. For example, offering chunky crayons, spring-loaded scissors, or playdough exercises.

A foundation in child development helps teachers respond with empathy instead of frustration, viewing every challenge as a developmental step rather than a personal affront.

💛 5. Emotional Intelligence: Navigating the Big Feelings

In kindergarten, emotions are often big, raw, and wonderfully messy. A great teacher is a master of emotional intelligence, both their own and in guiding children through theirs.

Great teachers:

Stay calm when children cry, scream, or shut down: Their calm presence is an anchor in a storm. They understand that their own regulation helps children regulate.

Name and validate feelings: Instead of "Don't cry," they'll say, "You're feeling frustrated because it's hard to wait for the swing. That’s okay to feel frustrated. I see you." This helps children build emotional vocabulary and self-awareness.

Model kindness and repair: When a mistake happens (their own or a child's), they demonstrate how to fix it. "Oops, I accidentally knocked over your tower. I'm sorry. Let's fix it together." This teaches accountability and empathy.

They show children that all feelings are welcome—and that all people make mistakes and learn from them, building a safe space for emotional expression.

🧺 6. A Spirit of Service: The Unseen Acts of Care

Behind the dazzling lessons and cheerful songs, great kindergarten teachers possess an unwavering spirit of service. They perform countless acts of care, often unseen and unpraised, driven purely by their dedication to children.

Great kindergarten teachers do so much behind the scenes:

Fixing broken toys with tape and glue, making them new again.

Cleaning paint spills (and often glitter trails) with a smile.

Making last-minute lesson tweaks based on the children's engagement that very morning.

Comforting a crying child by offering their own sweater for a snuggle or sharing a quiet moment in the reading nook.

Tying shoelaces, wiping noses, and helping with tricky buttons.

And they do it not for praise—but because they care deeply about the well-being, comfort, and joy of every child in their charge.

👨‍👩‍👧 7. Partnership with Families: A Shared Journey

No one knows a child better than their parent or guardian. Great kindergarten teachers understand that families are their most valuable allies and actively work to build strong, trusting partnerships.

They:

Share wins (big and small): A quick note about a child's newfound confidence in the dramatic play center, or a photo of them mastering a new fine motor skill.

Handle concerns with empathy and collaboration: "I've noticed [Child's Name] is having a tough time during transitions. Have you seen this at home, and can we brainstorm strategies together?"

Include parents as partners, not just observers: Inviting them to volunteer, share their cultural traditions, or simply be a sounding board for ideas.

Because teaching a child is a shared journey—and families are the essential co-pilots. This collaborative spirit creates a consistent, supportive environment for the child.

🌈 8. Joy. Always Joy.

Above all, a great kindergarten teacher genuinely loves the work—even when it’s hard, messy, and exhausting. Their enthusiasm is infectious and sets the entire tone of the classroom.

They:

Laugh with their class at silly jokes and unexpected discoveries.

Celebrate tiny milestones with genuine excitement, whether it’s a perfectly cut shape or a first letter recognized.

See beauty and meaning in crooked drawings, misspelled names, and inventive stories.

Find magic in the mess of paint, glue, and scattered blocks.

Approach each day with a sense of wonder, ready for whatever adventures it may bring.

Joy is the vibrant heartbeat of every strong early childhood classroom. It creates a positive, nurturing atmosphere where children feel safe to explore, take risks, and truly blossom.

✨ Final Thought

Great kindergarten teachers don’t just teach ABCs and 123s. They teach children how to trust, how to try again after a stumble, how to share with kindness, how to explore with curiosity, and ultimately, how to believe in themselves.

As I continue to grow in this incredible role, I’m reminded that I’m still learning too. Each child shapes me. Each day teaches me something new about resilience, wonder, and the profound impact of small moments. And every year, I strive to become not just a good teacher—but a truly great one.

Because in those bright, questioning little eyes looking up at me, I see the future. And that future deserves the very best we have to offer.

If you were to peek into my kindergarten classroom during math time, don’t be surprised if you hear more than just quiet counting. You’d likely hear enthusiastic clapping, joyful singing, and a chorus of giggles! That’s because in my world, counting isn’t just quiet—it’s musical.

One of the most powerful and enchanting tools I’ve found for teaching numbers and early math concepts is, without a doubt, music. At ages 3–5, children are naturally wired for rhythm, repetition, and sound. And what better way to introduce them to the wonderful world of numbers than through the magic of song?

In this post, I’ll share why using songs works like a charm, how I weave them into our daily learning, and my absolute favorite songs and playful strategies for making counting stick and sparkle for every little learner.

🎵 Why Songs Work Like Magic for Teaching Numbers

Songs are far more than just fun melodies; they are multi-sensory learning powerhouses. They engage multiple areas of a child's brain simultaneously, making learning both effective and memorable:

Auditory Memory: The catchy rhythm and melody create a "sticky" framework, helping children effortlessly recall number sequences. Think of it as a built-in memory aid!

Kinesthetic Learning: When we add movements, claps, or actions, children connect abstract numbers to their bodies. They're not just saying "one," they're feeling "one."

Language Development: Singing naturally boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and articulation, all while reinforcing numerical understanding. It’s a dual win!

Confidence Building: There’s something wonderfully liberating about singing in a group. Even my shyest students often find their voice and confidence when everyone is chiming in.

It's truly learning disguised as exhilarating play – and the results are consistently amazing.

🔢 How I Use Counting Songs in the Classroom

My goal is to make counting a joyful, natural part of our day. Here’s how I integrate songs seamlessly:

1. Start the Day with a Counting Warm-Up

Before we even touch a single manipulative or worksheet, we sing! Our morning routines often kick off with a lively counting song that gets everyone moving, focused, and ready to learn.

Example:

We love belting out “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught a Fish Alive!” We add playful finger actions for each number, and sometimes, for extra giggles, we use soft toy fish to "catch" and count. It's an instant energy boost with a side of math!

2. Match Songs to Learning Goals

I choose songs strategically to align with specific math objectives:

Counting Up: We sing ascending songs like “Five Little Ducks” as we watch the numbers grow.

Counting Down: Songs like “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” are perfect for practicing subtraction and counting backward, especially when we dramatically pretend to fall off the bed!

Skip Counting: For a slightly bigger challenge, we groove to tunes like “Count by 10s” or even a jazzy “Even Numbers Rap.”

3. Add Movement and Props

This is where the magic truly comes alive! We don't just sit and sing. We jump while counting to ten, wiggle our fingers to show numbers, or hold up large number cards as we belt out the sequence. This active engagement adds meaning to the numbers and deeply supports our kinesthetic learners.

4. Use Visual Aids Alongside Songs

To anchor the abstract concept of numbers, I always pair songs with visuals. On our interactive whiteboard, I might display a number line that illuminates as we count, or use vibrant felt board pieces (like adorable ducks swimming away or cheerful frogs on a log). Children can physically see the numbers increase or decrease while their voices fill the room.

Song Title

Skills Taught

🎵 Five Little Ducks

Counting down from 5, subtraction

🎵 Ten in the Bed

Counting down, early subtraction, ordinal numbers

🎵 One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

Counting by ones, rhyming, sequencing

🎵 Five Green and Speckled Frogs

Subtracting, counting down, using fingers

🎵 Count and Move (by Jack Hartmann)

Counting by 1s with full-body movement

🎵 Let’s Get Fit – Count to 100

Number recognition, fitness, pattern recognition

Bonus Tip: I absolutely love creating my own silly counting songs! Using familiar tunes like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “Baa Baa Black Sheep” with customized math lyrics is incredibly easy – and children adore hearing their teacher make up new verses!

✋ Real Classroom Moment

The power of these songs became crystal clear one morning during “Five Green and Speckled Frogs.” One of my quieter students, who rarely spoke up during group activities, suddenly stood up with shining eyes. She held up two fingers, a beaming smile on her face, and joyfully declared, "There’s TWO frogs left!"

She wasn’t just echoing words; she was counting, she was engaging, and she was radiating with pride in her understanding. That, right there, is the profound power of a good counting song.

🧠 More Than Just Numbers

While the primary goal is counting, these songs weave a rich tapestry of other essential skills:

Turn-taking: During circle time, children learn to wait their turn and participate cooperatively.

Listening Skills: Following the lyrics and rhythm sharpens their auditory processing.

Memory and Recall: Repeated exposure strengthens their ability to remember sequences and concepts.

Confidence to Participate: The low-pressure, high-fun environment encourages even hesitant children to join in and contribute.

And the best part? These powerful teaching tools are incredibly accessible. You don’t need expensive technology or fancy manipulatives—just your voice, a dash of playful energy, and a willingness to sing!

💡 Final Thought

“When we put numbers to music, we don’t just teach math; we turn it into magic.”

Songs help children not only learn numbers—they help them love numbers. And that deep-seated, joyful connection to numbers lays a vibrant foundation for all their future math success.

So, the next time you’re planning your early math lessons, pause for a moment and ask yourself:

💬 Can this be a song?

Every new school year brings a room full of bright eyes, curious minds, and little personalities waiting to unfold. As a kindergarten teacher, I've seen a spectrum of temperaments, but one child stood out last year—not for being boisterous or demanding attention, but for the exact opposite. She was quiet, hesitant, and almost invisible amidst the joyful noise of our classroom.

She arrived clutching her mother’s hand on the first day, her eyes avoiding mine, her voice barely a whisper when prompted. While other children rushed to explore the play area, she sat silently in a corner, observing. She didn’t cry; she didn’t complain. She just… shrank. It was clear she felt overwhelmed by the new environment and the energy of so many unfamiliar faces.

What followed over the next few weeks taught me one of the most beautiful lessons of my teaching career: that true growth often happens in quiet, gentle increments.

👀 Step One: Observation Over Intervention – The Power of Watching and Waiting

My first instinct wasn't to push her into activities or demand eye contact. Instead, I committed to observation over immediate intervention. Think of it like a scientist studying a delicate ecosystem – you wouldn't disrupt it right away. I simply watched. What genuinely captured her attention? What subtle cues did she give?

I noticed:

She would subtly turn her head when I read a story about animals.

A faint smile would grace her lips when another child, without prompting, handed her a building block during free play.

Her eyes would linger, full of longing, on the dress-up corner, even though she never ventured there herself.

She gravitated towards activities that allowed for independent, focused work, like coloring or quiet puzzles.

This initial phase was crucial. It wasn't about ignoring her; it was about respecting her need for space and gathering information. Knowing these small details allowed me to tailor my approach, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution that might have further overwhelmed her.

🧩 Step Two: Create a Safe, Quiet Entry Point – The Invitation, Not the Demand

Once I had a sense of her preferences, I began to leave soft invitations near her. These weren't demands for interaction, but rather gentle opportunities. I aimed to create a low-pressure environment where she could engage on her own terms.

For instance:

Instead of asking her to join a large group, I'd place a fresh coloring sheet with a new box of crayonson a small table near where she often sat.

I introduced a soft, friendly stuffed animal onto a cushion in a quiet corner of the reading nook.

I intentionally placed books about quiet animals (like sloths or sleepy bears) within easy reach, knowing her subtle interest in animals.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, she began to interact—first with the objects, then with me, and then, gradually, with her immediate environment.

One afternoon, I sat beside her, quietly coloring my own picture, making simple, soft comments like, “That’s a lovely shade of blue you’ve chosen for the sky.” I didn't press for a response. Then one day, a whisper, barely audible, escaped her lips: “It’s my favorite.” That moment was golden. It was the first key turned in the lock, a tiny crack in her protective shell, indicating she felt safe enough to share a part of herself.

👯‍♀️ Step Three: Introduce Gentle Peer Connections – The Buddy System with Intention

Children sense energy and intentions keenly. Shy ones rarely open up when forced into large, boisterous social situations. They bloom when they feel secure and connected. With this in mind, I carefully chose a buddy for her—a kind, calm child with a naturally nurturing and patient spirit. This wasn't a random pairing; it was a deliberate choice based on their personalities.

We started with simple, low-stakes tasks:

“Could you two please help me pass out the napkins for snack time?”

“Let’s see if you can work together to find all the matching cards in this game.”

“Would you both like to help water our classroom plants today?”

These activities required minimal verbal interaction but fostered a sense of shared purpose and proximity. Over time, this careful pairing blossomed into a genuine friendship. From that friendship came hesitant laughter, then confident pretend play in the dramatic play area, and eventually, shared stories whispered between them. This peer connection became a vital bridge to wider social engagement.

🎨 Step Four: Celebrate Small Wins (Quietly) – Affirmation, Not Announcement

When a shy child takes a risk and tries something new, the celebration of that effort is crucial, but it needs to be handled with sensitivity. Over-the-top praise or public announcements can feel overwhelming and counterproductive, potentially making them retreat again.

When she participated in a group song for the first time, singing along with a few words, I didn’t announce it to the entire class. Instead, I simply caught her eye, gave her a soft, encouraging smile, and a subtle thumbs up. She saw me, she knew I noticed, and she visibly glowed. These gentle, private affirmations encouraged her to try again, building her confidence brick by brick, without the pressure of a spotlight.

🌸 The Moment I Knew She Had Bloomed – From Whisper to a Full Sentence

It was during free play, about eight weeks into the school year. The transformation had been gradual, almost imperceptible day by day, but this moment solidified it. She was in the home corner, the very place she had once only gazed at longingly. She was wearing a toy stethoscope, confidently "treating" another child who was pretending to be sick.

She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with imaginative play, and said, “Teacher, he has a fever. I gave him soup.”

It was the first full sentence she’d ever said to me in class, spoken with clarity, confidence, and a joyful sparkle in her eye. It wasn't just about the words; it was about the presence, the engagement, and the sheer joy radiating from her.

🌈 What I Learned – Timeless Principles for Nurturing Shy Children

Helping a shy child open up isn’t about changing who they are fundamentally. It’s about creating a safe, understanding, and patient space for their true, wonderful self to feel secure enough to show up. My experience reaffirmed some profound truths:

Patience is powerful: Growth takes time. Rushing the process can hinder it.

Small steps are still steps: Celebrate every tiny progression. Each whisper, each glance, each brief interaction is a victory.

Quiet voices have rich stories: Some of the deepest thinkers and most creative minds are found in those who prefer to observe before engaging.

Every child blooms in their own season: Just like flowers, children unfold at their own pace, under the right conditions.

Final Thought:

"Not every flower blooms in the sunlight—some unfold gently in the quiet shade."

My Journey into the Wonderful World of Little Learners

When I walked into my very first kindergarten classroom, wide-eyed and hopeful, I thought I knew exactly what to expect. My lesson plans were printed, bulletin boards perfectly decorated, and my heart was overflowing with excitement. I pictured neat rows of eager faces, quiet concentration, and smooth transitions. Oh, how beautifully wrong I was!

No amount of preparation, no textbook, no Pinterest board could have taught me what my students were about to show me. Teaching kindergarten, I quickly discovered, is a vibrant, beautiful mix of glorious chaos, boundless creativity, endless patience, and an immeasurable amount of heart. It’s a dance between structure and spontaneity, where every day holds a new surprise.

Here are the biggest, most impactful lessons I learned during my transformative first year as a kindergarten teacher:

1. Relationships Trump Routines (Every Single Time!)

Yes, routines are absolutely the backbone of any successful classroom. They provide structure, predictability, and a sense of safety. But I quickly learned that while routines keep the classroom running, it's the relationships that truly shape the entire year.

I saw firsthand that a child is far more ready to learn, to explore, and to risk making mistakes when they feel safe, seen, and genuinely supported. There was this one little boy, let's call him Leo, who struggled with separation anxiety every morning. No matter how many times I went over our morning routine, he’d cling to his mom. The moment I started dedicating a few extra minutes each morning to just connect with him—a special wave, a shared giggle about his dinosaur shirt, a quick chat about his breakfast—everything shifted. He started walking in with a smile, ready to tackle the day.

The moment I began focusing more on connecting with each individual student, even if it meant slowing down my carefully crafted plan, magic started to happen. Trust opened the door to learning in a way I never anticipated.

2. Every Child Is a Universe Unto Themselves

I came in with a "one-size-fits-all" mindset, thinking my brilliant lesson plan would captivate all 20 tiny humans equally. Boy, was that a delightful revelation! What worked beautifully for one student didn’t always work for another—and I learned, very quickly, that that was more than okay; it was essential.

Some needed movement breaks every 15 minutes, wiggling out their energy before returning to a task. Others craved quiet corners, a cozy nook where they could focus away from the classroom buzz. Some blossomed through imaginative storytelling and dramatic play, while others thrived with messy, hands-on experiments. I remember one student, Maya, who seemed disengaged during our whole-group phonics lessons. But give her a tub of magnetic letters, and she’d spell out words with intense concentration and a joyful hum.

My biggest shift was learning to see each child as an individual learner with their own unique pace, personality, and preferred way of engaging. That’s when teaching truly became personal, powerful, and incredibly rewarding.

3. Play Isn’t Just Fun—It's the Ultimate Learning Lab!

I used to think of play as something that happened after the "real" learning was done, a reward for completing tasks. Now, I know better. My classroom became a vibrant, buzzing space where play wasn't just part of learning; it was the learning.

Whether children were building elaborate cities with blocks (developing early engineering and spatial reasoning!), role-playing in the home corner (honing their language skills and understanding social roles!), or digging for buried treasures in the sand tray (exploring measurement, cause and effect, and collaborative problem-solving!), I saw them develop critical language, math concepts, empathy, and problem-solving skills—all through the joyous, uninhibited act of play.

This discovery profoundly changed the way I teach. We now dedicate significant time to purposeful play, understanding that it's the richest environment for holistic development.

4. Mess Is the Most Beautiful Sign of Growth

Paint splattered on the tables? Absolutely! Puzzle pieces scattered across the floor? You bet! Water everywhere around the sensory bin? A daily occurrence!

Yes, I saw messes. But through those messes, I also saw deep thinking, fearless experimenting, and joyful exploration. I learned not to panic over cluttered spaces or imperfect handwriting on a first attempt. When a child was covered in glitter and glue, it meant they were creating. When blocks toppled with a crash, it meant they were testing boundaries and learning about gravity.

Mess, I realized, meant engagement. Mess meant curiosity. And mess, above all, meant that learning was alive, active, and thriving in our room. My definition of a "tidy" classroom completely transformed.

5. I Grew Just as Much as My Students Did

I started the year as "Ms Kavi, the teacher." I ended it as so much more: a listener, a guide, a comforter, a detective (solving mysteries like "Who took my crayon?!"), an artist, a cheerleader, and yes—still the teacher.

I learned how to pivot when my perfectly planned lessons fell flat. I learned how to celebrate the smallest victories, like a child independently zipping their coat for the first time. And I learned how to laugh—truly belly laugh—when things inevitably didn’t go as expected.

Most of all, I learned just how incredibly much children can teach you if you truly pay attention, if you listen with your heart, and if you're open to seeing the world through their wonderfully innocent and curious eyes. They taught me resilience, flexibility, and the profound joy of discovery.

6. Kindergarten Is a Foundation—Not a Race

The pressure to meet milestones and check off academic boxes is very real, even in kindergarten. But I learned to consciously shift my focus from rigid outcomes to rich, meaningful experiences.

When we gave ample time to explore letters through imaginative storytelling, creating our own alphabet books, or learning numbers through active movement games and counting everyday objects, the learning came naturally, organically, and deeply. We weren't rushing to "finish" a curriculum; we were building a strong, joyful foundation.

The best progress we made, both academically and emotionally, came from patience, not pressure. It came from allowing each child the space and time they needed to blossom at their own pace.

Final Thought: Building More Than Just Lessons

My first year in kindergarten didn't just involve teaching lessons from a book. It involved building memories, fostering resilience, and shaping tiny humans' fundamental sense of the world.It was a year of profound growth, not just for my students, but for me too.

And while it was often exhausting, sometimes overwhelming, and consistently unpredictable—it was, without a doubt, the most rewarding year of my life.

Here's to the beautiful, messy, magical lessons we learn when we teach from the heart. 💛