How to Overcome the Challenges of Teaching Preschoolers

Being a preschool teacher might sound simple enough, but the truth is, it’s not as easy as it looks. Children are full of energy and spirit, and sometimes you might feel more like a zookeeper than an educator. However, for every challenge, there are a million reasons why being a preschool teacher is rewarding and wonderful.

Familiarizing yourself with the common teaching pitfalls now will better prepare you with the skills and confidence you need to tackle them head on when you get ready to step into your own classroom. 

Maintaining the Attention of Young Kids

One of the biggest challenges of teaching preschoolers is retaining the attention of your students. Every child you teach is unique and has their own behavior and interests. It’s not realistic to assume that all of your students will pay an equal amount of attention to everything you’re teaching. Some kids may find certain activities engaging, while others may prefer to engage in something else. In a large-sized classroom, it can be very difficult to capture and maintain the attention of so many children for long.

The best way to overcome the first challenge is to create a series of shorter, engaging activities, rather than long, drawn out lessons. Look to your students for signs that it’s time to move on to another subject.

Managing Misbehavior in the Classroom

If you’ve ever been around young children before, then you know their behavior can be described as unpredictable at best and their moods can shift on a dime.

When it comes to overcoming this common preschool teacher challenge, know that discipling a preschooler requires a combination of art and agility. What worked last week, may not be effective this week. Patience and consistency are key to addressing behavioral issues. Preschoolers do best when they have plenty of structure.

Communicating with Family Members

A big part of being a preschool teacher is dealing with parents, some of which can be very demanding and difficult.

One way to overcome this challenge is to provide parents with an easy and effective way to communicate with you outside of class, so they can feel involved and informed, such as offering an interactive app. An app can be an excellent tool in keeping parents and teachers connected and on the same page.

Surviving the Physical Demands of the Job

If you were hoping for a desk job, then a career as a preschool teacher might not be the best fit for you. Preschool teachers deal with a room full of young, excitable children that don’t need coffee to be energetic. It’s rare that you’ll find yourself sitting for long periods of time. Preschool teachers spend the majority of the day on their feet, whether it’s bending, lifting, dancing, or playing with their students. While being a preschool teacher is tons of fun, it can also be downright exhausting.

The best way to survive a physically demanding job is to take proper care of yourself, including treating yourself to a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes! Your job as preschool teacher is extremely important, as these kids need you, and they need you to be at your best. You can’t help others if you’re mentally and physically exhausted. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritious food to provide you with plenty of energy, and spend your downtime doing activities you enjoy. Teaching can be tough, so taking mental breaks is an absolute necessity.

We offer an accredited program with flexible class schedules. For more information on how to become a preschool teacher, contact Athena Career Academy.