Winter Break is a wonderful thing! It was such a treat to sleep until 8:30 am again this morning. I am going to talk about class size today. Does the size of a class make a difference? From my experience, I would echo a resounding yes!
The year I retired from teaching kindergarten in the public schools, I had twenty-one students in my classroom with one teacher assistant. The first year I taught kindergarten, I had thirty-two students and one teacher assistant. I currently teach kindergarten in the private school where I have been employed since leaving the public schools. I have had sixteen students and one teacher assistant every year for the past three years.
The smaller class size gives me many more opportunities for one on one instruction with my students. Couple this with the fact that my assistant is never pulled for extra duty, to substitute in another classroom, or to help in another grade level. That means we ALWAYS have a 1:8 ratio. Reduced class size is also important since my teaching methods emphasize hands-on and individualized learning, rather than rote memorization. Another advantage is that I am able to provide more support to students who need extra help.
I feel very thankful to be teaching in a school where administrators realize that class size makes a difference! It makes going to work a joy everyday.
