Oh, to be a kindergarten teacher!! One of my first jobs was in a primary resource room which included K-3rd grade so I have a little experience with that age group. One year, and a move home, ended that stint.

Mrs. Mathias was my kindergarten teacher and while I don’t remember much about her, she must have made some sort of impression because she started my love for school.

I remember how she had everything labeled and we had centers. I remember fat pencils and crayons. I remember building very high towers with blocks and I remember she had a fireplace in her room. We never lit it obviously, but how cool is that to have a fireplace in your classroom?!? (And no, I did not go to school in a one room school-house, if that thought crossed your mind.)

My most distinct memory of kindergarten, however, was when I lost my first tooth. We were singing “Hickory Dickory Dock”. On the word “dock”, out popped my tooth. And believe it or not, I still have the certificate she presented to me for reaching this milestone.

Lesson learned from my kindergarten teacher: It’s ok to cry on the last day of school. My teacher did.

You’d be surprised how many certificates I have in a box in the basement. This is the oldest.