A Day in the Life of Kindergarten

12.30pm…Stepping outside into the world of Hanoi is like taking an obstacle course that changes every day. You must walk determined and aware if you are going to get from point A to B regardless of your mode of transport.

1.00pm….I arrive at Vincom Center. This is a place for the more affluent of Hanoi. A fancy mall, an overpriced gym and a lovely Canadian Kindergarten called MapleBear, my new employer. The elevator opens and I am greeted by the staff in the lobby and I feel welcome. I enter a world that is still foreign to me, but really is a step back in time to a place of a dim memory in my mind, the mind of a child. The two year olds that are my clients are napping at this hour and I proceed to the teacher’s room to prepare my lesson.

1.45pm….I remove my shoes and put them on the rack with all the little shoes of the children and suddenly I feel like a giant. I open the door and creep quietly into the classroom. I see all the children napping on little cots and my teaching assistants either at the computer or napping with the kids. Soon it will be time for all to wake up and for me to transform into a Kindergarten teacher. The ‘Wake Up’ song begins and I sympathize with those that want to remain asleep. I sing, I gently shake the children and move there little arms and legs. It is 2.15 and time to get to work.

2.20…After a well needed post-nap pee and hand washing, we get on with the stretching to get the blood flowing. Once I have my kids’ attention we all form a half circle on the matt to do a roll call…. “How are you today Kem, Oc, Bong, Bu Bu, Bem, Bon, Phi Long, Andy, Sam and Minh? These are my babies, my children for four hours a day. This is also a good time to read a story to introduce what we will be doing today or for the week.

2.30…This is ‘Circle Time’. We talk about how we feel and express emotions, talk about the weather, get into a fevered counting of anything, the days of the week, pronunciation and if I am doing my job, some feedback and many laughs. It takes good animation and expression to keep them entertained. It is the way learning should always be in my opinion.

3.00…Snack time. You would think this would be easy, but not when it comes to 2 year olds. Picky, picky, picky. Food is not just to eat, but to play with, create an art project and irritate the hell out of your neighbor. It is all I can do to get that snack in their mouths and hope it does not come projecting back out.

3.30…It is now time for the ‘Learning Center.’ There is a theme for the week and I try to keep it fresh and different each day. What looks like craft and coloring, is disguised as motor skills, counting, color and create lessons. With an attention span of no more than a few minutes, the kids need to be amused and busy. I must be willing to flip on a dime, sing a song or shift from fun to serious teacher and back again in seconds. A meltdown can happen at a moments notice…..exhausting.

4.00…Time to get the energy up again. Let’s dance, let’s sing and let’s learn through movement and self expression. I have this incredible ability at age 48 to suddenly become a child again. It is a good thing to be expressive and be amazed in a supportive atmosphere. I think every employer everywhere should allow staff to do this. Good for the mind and the soul.

4.30…Already it is time for parents to start picking some children up early. For some we say goodbye, others it is play time with learning involved. Soon it will be back to a Vietnamese world and hope that I have made some impact on them today and perhaps tomorrow I will be surprised.

5.00pm…Time to clean up and walk the dreaded walk home. Walking the same walk back at this hour is a whole different game. I am tired and required to be super aware. There is nowhere to walk, traffic is aggressive and crossing the street is…..impossible. My only choice to get through all of this is to be super alert or not think at all. Who would think that 10 itty bitty children could be so exhausting. I am growing to adore them, but so thankful I do not have to bring them home.

My day of teaching is over.