What Preschool Kids Think About School

Sure, Early Childhood Educators care about what our preschool children think and feel about their preschool experiences. After all, it is the first impression they get of school.
Most often times, it's good to take a survey or census of our work. Usually we get feedback from our families.
Not me.
At least that is not my only feedback. I go to the children themselves-and not to brag but over the years I have learned to speak "Preschool-ese".
Below are actual answers from the preschoolers and some may argue that my interpretations are a bit liberal....but trust me, I'm a trained professional.
I encourage you to take a survey from the kids as well. And if you have a bit of trouble interpreting here are some easy translations.

Handy Dandy Tips for Effective Interpretations of Preschool-ese:

Question: "What do you like most about Preschool?"

"The play-dough tastes good." Translation: "I like to play with the play-dough here at school. If I accidentally tell you I eat it, please don't get mad."

"My teacher is really pretty/cute." Translation: (It's a compliment, silly)


"My mommy take-d me to preschool and I go to my school." Translation: "I am not quite used to the idea of preschool, but I get it that I have to go. I miss my mommy and I wish she could come along, too. I really need you to be my friend and check on me, teacher."


"When is snacks coming?" Translation: "I love the food and snacks here. I'm growing and require lots of food so I would appreciate it if you would kindly send word to the kitchen so I can get on with playing. I need my energy."
(* NOTE: It may seem like the answer had nothing to do with the question, doesn't it? Ah, not so-necessarily)

How about you? What are some great translations that work for you as a teacher?
How is you're 'Preschool-ese' on a scale of 1-10?

back when I was a little kid

"Ms. Barbra! Ms. Barbra! Hey!"
"Goodness gravy is everything alright? What's the fuss?"
"Oh, yeah...okay, I'd talking to you wit my inside voice now, okay?"
"I appreciate that, Andrea. Now what would you like to tell me?"
"I can tie-d my show now, lookie here."
"That's wonderful, Andrea. You know, you showed me and everyone else that you could do it yesterday, remember?"
"Yeah, uh-huh. But that was back-ed then. When I was a little kid."

the small things.

 "You've got to think about big things while you're 

doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction."

~ Alvin Toffler

Encouragement and attention really mean something to our kids. I know that there are times I have stopped and noticed some amazing block building children are doing together or how well everyone is getting along.
I'll mention it.
Little ears are always listening so I will often remark to another teacher in passing, sometimes I make up a song about it willy-nilly on the spot, or I'll share it at circle time when it's my turn to share.
Little things aren't so small when they are shared by big people sometimes.
Then again...to me, these things were never small in the first place.
Sometimes teaching is in the fine details.

5 Star Preschool Tantrum

“Do not teach your children never to be angry; 

teach them how to be angry.”

~Lyman Abbott

Just when all the planets are aligned and twirling in their orbits…a blood curdling scream is heard in the corner of the room.
Jeffery is throwing a tantrum. A juicy, delicious five star tantrum meant to rock everyone’s spinal cords. Okay….all the children know the drill.

1.This is not an emergency…no blood, no foul.
2.Go back to what you were doing…smiles everyone-smiles.
3.Like a sneeze-we don’t need stare, point, or discuss it…
The teacher will handle it if it’s messy.
When we all work together I noticed the tantruming behavior becomes less and less….till it eventually stops within the classroom.
At circle times, children will often ask certain kids why they “kick on the floor” or make comments about that ‘type of behavior’. I find it very interesting. In a round about way they are letting them know that this is not the norm. Peer pressure can be good….
in some ways…

Language Development in Early Childhood Education

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. 

There is no cure for curiosity."

~Dorothy Parker

Kids inquire many questions of us big people…. But do we as adults challenge kids with questions?

I am not talking of the usual eight plus three, or the capitol of Alaska scenario… oh-no, no, no. I mean questions only ‘they’ can answer….which means the asker’s job is to listen.
I do this every now and then at circle times for language development...or when things get a little too quiet.
The children sometimes have answered these questions in silly, humorous, logical or very thought provoking way. I leave it up to them.
Being preschoolers….I’ll ask whatever comes to mind....you know, improvise. I may even amuse myself.
Here are some examples of questions we have come up with over the years.

Great Language Development Questions 
That Will Really Get Kids Thinking;
“What sound does a goldfish make?”
“Why does your nose run and your feet smell?”
“Who turns on the light when you open the refrigerator?”
“If a carrot is orange why don’t we call it an orange?”
“Where does baby oil come from?”
“Where do teachers sleep?”

Most kids will actually answer you…and will keep elaborating if you ask more questions.....

Homing In

 "A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary."

~Thomas Carruthers

“That kid’s nose is runny. I went-ed and got-ed him a tissue”
“Why thank you, Lilly, that was very thoughtful of you.” I smiled.
“You don’t have to ask…”
“Ask what?” I questioned.
“What my mommy asks, Ms Barbra. Me. At home, you know, if I washed-ed my hands.”
“How did you know I was going to ask that next?”
“I smart like that.”