Kindergarten Teachers In South Korea

It is important to truly research what kind of school you will be going to in South Korea. As they can differ very much from one another. Bear in mind that my tips are more applicable towards working in a kindergarten.

1. Be Funny

You have to have the ability to make kids laugh. This generallymeans you will have to act silly. Talking in silly voices, making silly expressions, saying silly things. It also includes acting out characters or objects. In my experience foreign teachers are always being judged on their ability to entertain the children. The same is not true for Korean teachers who teach the material more seriously. It may seem unfair, but it is what it is. In reverse foreign teachers are generally paid more than Korean teachers. So you win some, lose some.

2. Creativity

You don't have to be a perfect artist and craftsman. However, having the basics down would really help. Furthermore, if you enjoy doing arts and crafts that will only help more. For me and one of my other co-worker, we immensely enjoy such projects which makes work seem less like work. But for those who do not enjoy such things, work does tend to become a drag. And in my Kindergarten having basic craft and art skills is a must. I've heard the same is true for some public schools.

3. Games

Games are another fun activity for children. It is also a fun way for you to review how much the students' have retained the lesson. My school requires us to cycle through 15-20 games per month. This is necessarily not the same for each kindergarten. Still I would recommend that you have your own arsenal of games to go through.

Note: I also make a lot of my games from scratch, that requires arts and crafts.

4. Singing and Dancing

I am not a skilled singer or a dancer. But unlike crafts and arts, you really don't need to have basic sinignig or dancing skills. At least not at my place. All you need is energy.

5. Spatial Awareness

This is very important, you turn your back for five seconds and chaos will ensue. Now I don't care to have my students sit like statues, while I am setting up the computer or whatever. But I would care if somone gets hurt. So be aware of your surrounding as much as possible.

6. Organization

This is perhaps the most important. You need to be on your top game regarding this. You need to know your dates. You also should keep your workspace pretty organized. Not only because it makes a very good impression, but also because it makes your life as a teacher easier.

7. Academic Performance

Unfortunately, in Korea children are under tremendous pressure to perform perfectly as soon as they start going to school. Not only in academics (though it is a priorty) but also in other extracurricular activities. And there is no changing that aspect. It is integral to Korean culture. And students' academic performance is more times than not also seen as a refelction of a teacher's teaching skills.

8. Peace Maker

Often times you will find yourself mediating between students. Sometimes it's pretty clear which student was in the wrong and which student was in the right. But sometimes it's not that black and white. In such cases, you need to find ways to make peace and not reprimand.

9. Getting to know your students

It seems very difficult on day one. Having to get to know so many names and faces is pretty overwhelming. But you should try your best to get to know who your students are as soon as possible. Knowing who your students are and how they can behave is very useful aresanal.

10. Diversity

In your workplace you will be working with people who come from different walks of life and different perspectives. My humble opinion is to always be patient and tolerant with your co-workers, even if they piss you off.

Sources To Find Games/Worksheets/Activities

• TeachersPayTeachers
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• Games4ESL
• Google
• iscollective

Au Revoir!