Introduction

Hello All! My name is Erika Diener and I teach kindergarten. I didn't always want to be a teacher, but as I went through college and I started to grow up, I realized that I enjoyed teaching. I can remember visiting a high school class and envisioning being a English teacher, but that vision quickly changed when I was asked for my hall pass one day as I was leaving. I knew I would never be taken seriously in that setting, so I decided to volunteer in an elementary classroom, and it was like everything clicked. I had ideas and I liked being in the classroom, and I liked the children. I decided to get an elementary teaching certificate as well as a ZA endorsement. I had my heart set on teaching kindergarten and I was lucky enough to complete my student teaching (well actually only some of my student teaching) in a kindergarten classroom. I had a great experience with student teaching and all was fine and happy. Soon after my student teaching was completed, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, and I took some time to be a mommy and enjoy all of the small moments. I interviewed many times before I finally landed in a part-time kindergarten teaching position, and it couldn't have been more perfect. I only worked part-time so I was able to spend time with my son. I taught part-time for three years, and I was able to learn a lot about myself as a teacher, mother, and as a person during that time. I learned many things from the other teachers in the building and during numerous professional development sessions. During my fourth year, I had my second baby (a girl this time!) and our district transitioned to a full-day kindergarten program. I had a wonderful long-term substitute, and it was a seamless transition from her to me! The hardest thing (besides leaving my children each day) was attaching to the children that loved and adored their other teacher. I felt like it took months! This is my fifth year teaching and I have had to learn how to be a highy effective teacher in a full-day kindergarten setting. There are many obstacles, but I have a very supportive school family and principal. I also think that the parents of the children in my class are very supportive! I am hoping to share some of my ideas and challenges with all of you, and I would also like to use this blog as a way to build relationships with other kindergarten teachers. I think that I have learned the most from other kindergarten teachers! This year I am hosting a teacher lab. Other teachers from the district have been watching me teach and giving me feedback! It has been a very rewarding experience. In addition, we are reading, "Pathways to the Common Core" and we are sharing our thoughts and ideas from the book-similar to a book club. Furthermore, I was chosen to be a K-2 science rep for the district this year, which is way out of my league (I am a language arts gal). I will share some ideas from those meetings, as well. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have about teaching kindergarten. I am looking forward to sharing ideas with you.