King Joffrey, Master Yoda and Preschool teachers

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Preschool teachers are by far one of the most exceptional group of individuals. I recently saw @coffeetime's post and after a short chat in the comments, it is sad to know that there are many who think preschool teachers as glorified babysitters. If you have been following my posts, you would find that I talk of the different groups of students that I have encountered. There are those who are adults and are my trainees from my work as a teacher trainer. There are also some of the students whom I have taught in school. I have taught in a primary as well as a secondary school but never have I taught in a preschool long term.

Part of my job as a teacher trainer was to conduct studies on teaching methods and I have had the privilege of observing preschool teachers teach. There are a few reasons that sets them apart from other teachers in my opinion and based on experience. While I can go on and talk about how good they are, let me speak about their contribution based on a few real examples:

Do you want to make a Joffrey?

King Joffrey Baratheon from game of thrones must be, by far, the most insufferable child/boy/person that you have ever seen. When we first saw him on screen, we were disgusted by his ways, irked by his misuse of power, not to mention how much of a brat he was when he shouted "I am king!". The only person who were able to control him was his family, his uncle for one, and his grandfather. One of them smacked him in the face. While that might be fiction, it got me wonder how did he turned out that way. While we can speculate on genes, his position and other factors, there must be a time where he was redeemable. There must be a time where he could've been taught to be a better person.

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That job falls on the shoulders of a preschool teacher. As a parent, i think it is important for me to know how my child is in school and work with the teacher to nurture my child. They are more than babysitters, at most they are important partners in raising the child, preparing them for primary school, at the very least, they are good sources of information, telling you how your child acts when their parents are not around.

Now, if Joffrey's parents were to pay a little attention, perhaps consulted his preschool teacher, they would know that he has secretly murdered all his friends' pets in school. The teacher must have been furious, however before the teacher could sit him down and talk to him about what he did wrong, the royal guard stepped in and drew his sword. The teacher backed away, saddened. Joffrey then knew that he could get away with anything and thus grew into the King that we all...erm... adore?

The Yoda without the grammar

Remember the first time we were introduced to Yoda fro Star wars? He was leading Luke Skywalker amidst a time that was confusing and not to mention new. As time goes by, some people associate Yoda with that one wise teacher/guide in one's life. A guide that will help you through a profession or a difficult time.

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Now, imagine a child who has just entered into a preschool for the first time, it is an equally confusing a difficult time for the child. As the child enters into the school, it is akin to Luke Skywalker entering into Dagobah for the first time. However, it is through that training, Luke Skywalker finally emerged as the Jedi master that we know today.

Today was the first day that my little princess entered into her preschool. Her Yoda was a lovely young lady who helped her feel at home. My little princess did not want me to leave, however, if it was her preschool teacher that made her feel comfortable. It was that preschool teacher that made her want to stay. She even came home talking about what she has learnt in school. This here is the difference between a preschool teacher and a babysitter in this case, would be that the babysitter could just care for the child, a preschool teacher teaches and cares.

Conclusion

However, it all boils down to who the preschool teacher is. If the teacher is someone who cares and has every intention to teach, your child would be more than prepared to enter into primary school. However, if the teacher is just there as a last resort, the child may end up disliking school or worse, fearful of going to school.

In the end, their role in a child's entire education from preschool to secondary school is crucial. They will be the first to mould the child before passing on to the next teacher. They are also the first who will give the child a positive or a negative impression of schools.

This is for all the preschool teachers out there, you guys are awesome.

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