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Q: Can Engineers Teach Kindergarten?
I am a white American male in my mid-twenties (but look much younger). I have a B.S. in mechanical engineering with four years of industry experience but zero education or experience in teaching. My Chinese wife and I are considering moving to Shanghai for a few years. It seems most expat engineering positions require a more senior level of experience so I am thinking about kindergarten English teaching. I have been to China about five times and have a basic survival Mandarin speaking ability. While I like kids, my top concern is that I am not outgoing; I did choose engineering after all . Also, I do not yet have a TEFL certification, but would get one once I make up my mind. Another self-comment, the larger the class size, the more nervous I would become.
How important is having the "right" personality when it comes to teaching kindergarten? Do schools/kids/parents even care?
9 years 6 weeks ago in Teaching & Learning - Shanghai
It's alright, very few people in China are qualified for their job.
White American male engineers can teach but white American male teachers can't be engineers.
I wouldnt worry about it. Every teacher ive ever met here was an engineer.
diverdude1:
actually I'm an astronaut. just taking a break to have some 'me' time.
AoD!It's alright, very few people in China are qualified for their job.
Why teach kindergarten? Kindergarten is for the outgoing teachers because you will have to sing and be outgoing to entertain the kids. You should teach high school or get a university job. Might be less money though.
It is very important, that you have right contact with kids. If you're likeable by kids in the classroom, you'll be likeable by parents, too!
When you're favorable by kids, they'll act as a 'vacuum':' whatever you'll do or say, they'll just copy of you'.
This is all you need to 'enjoy' little babies, however sometimes I consider that as a 'gift'.
Classes I had were usually small, from 10 -15 kids the most. It depends on the age of kids, younger they are class should be smaller.
English level is very basic, from simple commands, colors, counting (2Y olds), and for older kids Kindergarten always got me material to teach from.
You should make them sing English songs, and for more on kids teaching look at British Council/kids web site.
I can't work with kids full-time, so I never do more than 10h/week in the kindergarten.
If the children are happy,the parents are happy,if the parents are happy then the boss will be happy.
I have been teaching kindergarten children in China for 14 years.I do find this alot more easy than teaching adults or older kids.
I teach nursery class,parents class,k1,k2,k3.
I sing,entertain as well as teach.
I have a routine that I stick to
Hello song
song time
days of the week,months of the year,the weather
T.P.R (stand up sit down shake your body
Topic-lesson in the book
story time
goodbye song
then its on to the next class
class size varies from 18 up to 35-40 children in a class
http://youthsalary.com/?user=12576
