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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 34 weeks ago in  Teaching & Learning - Shanghai

 
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It's alright, very few people in China are qualified for their job.

laowaigentleman:

VERY few.

In fact, the higher up the chain you go...

9 years 34 weeks ago
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9 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Posts: 1098

Shifu

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White American male engineers can teach but white American male teachers can't be engineers. 

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9 years 34 weeks ago
 
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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.

9 years 34 weeks ago
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icnif77:

AoD!

9 years 34 weeks ago
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9 years 34 weeks ago
 
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It's alright, very few people in China are qualified for their job.

laowaigentleman:

VERY few.

In fact, the higher up the chain you go...

9 years 34 weeks ago
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9 years 34 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1300

Shifu

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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. 

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9 years 34 weeks ago
 
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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.

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9 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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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

 

 

 

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9 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Am I screwed if I can't sing?

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9 years 34 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A: Good question!  I'd say, if you study at Uni in China beside
A:Good question!  I'd say, if you study at Uni in China beside working full-time as an E.T. with Residence permit, you don't interfere with your full-time employment.It's your free time and you can do anything you want, with respect to the Chinese laws and customs. Have a look at terms of Z visa/Residence permit and ... ".. you cannot work (and earn monies!) with another employer ..."That's all it is! Your RP sponsor title is written on the RP stamp in your passport, I think. It's in Mandarin, so I've heard about that from someone ...At I.D.-ing by cops, they know where you work and than more details about you are just a phone call away ... and it happened in person ... LOL ... during the day-time stroll through Wulumuqi, Xinjiang, 2012/13 semester. Now under RP, you're free to surf Internet, jog, ... and study, too. I suggest, you look and ask at the Uni, you plan to study in the future. Have a detailed look at requirements for studying and attending chosen Uni.Good luck! -- icnif77