Not only does Mariska Snyman want the little ones to perform well in academics, she also wants them to grow into mentally stable adults.
The 34-year-old who is a new Grade 1 teacher at Avante Primary School, said her decade-long experience has taught what’s best for her Grade 1 class – she’s now sharing her knowledge with new colleagues in the profession.
“I believe that a healthy-minded child will become a health-minded adult, and our society desperately needs them. Therefore, a teacher’s time in the classroom is crucial, because whatever happens there will reflect in different places,” Mariska explained.
However, she warned that while it may look cute to deal with the little ones all day, there’s real work to it; especially dealing with children from different backgrounds who need all the support there is to be the best they can be.
My job requires certain attributes, if not fundamental qualities, such as lots of patience, an overload of compassion, and heart full of love.”
Mariska, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Foundation Phase education, said beginner teachers are likely to find language a barrier as all the learners’ first language often is not the same. She recommended that a common language (usually English) be established almost immediately.
“It’s very important that the learners understand you well from the beginning, even if it means you have to find creative ways to communicate; but whatever you do, make sure to keep the lessons short.
“Children may get tired very easily but luckily they will adapt quickly because they’re flexible. Make sure they take regular breaks to stretch so that they enjoy the lessons and not become strained,” Mariska said.
What she appreciates most about her profession is to see the children progressing through the year, which makes her proud to know that she also has made a contribution.
When a child gains all the skills to write, speak and read, it is truly rewarding and warms my heart all the time. This is why I’m excited to received a new group every year,” Mariska said.
