2/22/01
Question 72
Dear Preschool Teacher,
I have a question regarding having the same
preschool teacher two years in a row. My daughter is 3 1/2 and in her first year of
preschool. She will continue next year at the same preschool, and I have the option
of requesting a teacher. My daughter and I like her current
teacher, but I think she may benefit from a new instructor and classroom. I am
unsure what
the benefits of having the same teacher two years in a row versus the negatives of having the same teacher two years in a row would be.
Do you have any ideas or opinions on this subject? Any help would be
appreciated!
Teacher Times Two
Dear
Teacher Times Two,
I am a little particle to having the same
teacher because at the preschool I teach at there is one two teachers
and our three year olds came back as four year olds. One of the
advantages of having the same teacher is that the teacher knows the
child and the child knows the teacher. The first few days of
school may be a little easier when you leave because the child know
the teacher. If you liked the way last years teacher taught and
the way she interacted with your child then I don't see any problems.
A disadvantage may be that everyone does teach differently. Your
child may learn different things from a different person.
Good Luck!
Lynn
"Ask The Preschool
Teacher Staff"
Dear
Teacher Times Two,
Having the same teacher 2 years in a row
in pre-school could be very beneficial for a child who is shy and has
trouble separating. However, if the child is in the same
pre-school, I would assume many friends from the previous year would
be
in the new class as well, which would lead to more security from
the beginning. If the themes and program are basically the same
as the previous year, I would personally opt for a new teacher so that
the child has new experiences. As teachers tend to repeat their
crafts, activities, songs and general approach, a teacher with a
new repertoire might ultimately be more beneficial and challenging for
the child, even if the adjustment at the beginning is a bit difficult.
Shelly
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Teacher Times Two,
I am the only teacher at my preschool. We're a small town and there is just
me and my assistant, so I do teach both 3's and 4's and have the same
kids for two years. I don't really see where this would be a
disadvantage unless you didn't like your teacher and there was a
conflict. I started off teaching 4's and only worked M-W-F, but when
the other teach quit who taught T-TH, I took over both the 3 and 4
year old classes. This is my first group that I have had for the whole
two years. I find that I'm really close to the children and their
parents. Hopefully they feel the same way about me.
Also, I think it's a good thing at this age
to be a familiar face for the children and not have to get to know a
new teacher. A lot of my kids that started off shy with me now climb
all over me and we're having a lot of fun.
As far as themes and art projects go, I have
totally different themes and art projects for the 3 year old class
versus the 4 year old class so when the 3's come back they are not
just doing the same things again for another year.
So I may not be the best person to ask since I'm in
the situation where I do have the kids for 2 years and there's no
choice about it, but I love having the kids for the 2 years and
hopefully they love having me too!
Peg
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Teacher Times Two,
If the room is set up for the age your child
would be next year then there shouldn't be any problem with staying
with the same teacher. Do the children ever play in the
different rooms? At our center the children visit other rooms
for extended days. This enables them to be in different rooms and
experience different toys, etc. Whatever your preference is
here, it shouldn't be a problem.
Kris
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Teacher Times Two,
I am a preschool teacher and I do not see
it as a problem. This is my second year and I have a very easy start
to the year with the kids from last year. They are all in the same
class. They know the rules...just one.. no running. I also know where
they were and where to start. I am getting great feed back from my
last year parents on their readiness for Kindergarten..
Maureen
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear
Teacher Times Two,
It would be nice for your daughter to
have the same teacher again if it is difficult for her to make
transitions or get used to new people. If she doesn't have this
problem it probably wouldn't make any difference. Sometimes teachers
repeat the same lessons year after year and very bright children could
become bored. Also, children seldom have the same teachers year
after year in grade school, although my daughter had the same male
teacher for three years as he climbed the ladder to a coaching
position! Unfortunately he wasn't one of those teachers you would like
to have over and over!
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
