How do you become a kindergarten teacher in China?
Kindergartens in China exist in many forms and sizes, just like all other school kids. There are pricey international kindergartens affiliated with international schools with vast resources. These institutions' kindergarten instructors are often well-educated, with teaching licenses or degrees in Early Childhood Education.
Kindergartens throughout the world vs those in the United States
Private kindergartens and government-licensed private kindergartens, as well as tiny neighborhood kindergartens, exist in addition to international school kindergartens. Most of these private kindergartens are divided into two categories: international and traditional.
Although you don't have to be completely trained to teach in an international kindergarten, the curriculum will be international and the instructors will have experience. They generally adhere to the Gregorian calendar, which includes holidays like Christmas and the Summer Solstice in addition to the more traditional Chinese ones.
Chinese is frequently the primary curriculum in normal kindergartens, with English as a second or third subject. They often adhere to a Chinese school schedule that includes Chinese national holidays.......................................... As a result, instructors in these programs will have less time off every year.
Teaching in China is one of the most profitable professions, yet requirements and salary may vary greatly from job to job.
The differences and similarities between Chinese and western-style kindergartens
There is perhaps no Chinese school type that differs so much from its Western equivalents.
First and foremost, the majority of Chinese kindergartens are full-time establishments. In China, children are expected to be in school by 8.30 a.m. Not to mention that they often don't depart until 4.30/5.00pm at the latest. Good news for teachers: a two-hour lunch break frequently occurs while the kids are sleeping. Even with all of this in mind, 40-hour work weeks are still the norm for kindergarten instructors.
Chinese kindergartens are nothing like those in the United States. Instead of being play-based, western kindergartens emphasize on holistic development, which means teaching children excellent habits to help them succeed in primary school.
Classes in Chinese programs are quite densely packed, as the following chart illustrates. More recently, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and holistic development have received attention (EYFS). However, most people's attention is still drawn to conventional methods of education.
The conventional method includes a mix of subjects such as language, arithmetic, art, music, and physical education. These young pupils are in for a hectic day.
The majority of children also attend courses outside of the classroom after school. Evening lessons may be offered by the institution or by other providers.
There are classes in dance, painting, and English as a Second Language. You won't be required to take these courses in the majority of cases. Be sure to be compensated for them if you are and agree.
What Does a Kindergarten Teacher in China Usually Do in the Classroom?
You'll soon learn that working as an English teacher is only one of many options open to you. You'll be expected to accomplish things outside of your job description if you're a foreign teacher.
Depending on the instructor, some may gladly cooperate while others would grit their teeth and just take it. Teaching in China entails dealing with difficult students.
Being required to attend several meetings in Chinese will need a great deal of patience. Whatever the topic, there will be a meeting to discuss it. You'll almost always have to go to a meeting to talk about meetings. Even though it's aggravating, it's simply another aspect of the job.
Additionally, you will be expected to speak with your parents on a regular basis. While this will be an important aspect of your work as a Homeroom teacher, if you are an ESL instructor, it won't be. This means that building ties with your parents will still be required, albeit in a less formal manner.
In Chinese culture, kindergarten instructors are highly esteemed, so don't be shocked if you're respected and showered with gifts on a daily basis.
Teachers' greatest pet peeve has to be administrative burdens. Just keep in mind that you'll be working in one of the world's most bureaucratic nations.
be requested for reports on a regular basis, depending on the volume of material. Even if I wish they spent more time on substance rather than bureaucracy, we didn't have to ponder why they did it that way. It seems, at least.
Teachers from other countries are expected to dress up and participate in classroom activities as well. I had a blast dressing up as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Jack-o-lantern on Halloween. This portion of the work isn't for everyone, but it was a delight for me!
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