Bad Axe kindergarten teacher showing students how to learn

Terri Maurer said a lot has changed since most of us were in kindergarten.

The Bad Axe Public Schools teacher pointed out there are no more half days or nap times, and kindergarten students aren’t always on the same level when it comes to being prepared to learn in 2023.

One thing hasn’t changed, though.

“There’s never a dull moment,” Maurer said. “Every day is a new day, and there are always surprises.”

That’s because children that age are bursting with energy, so much so their school day features three recess periods. But kindergarten is not all about playtime, Maurer quickly pointed out.

“There’s a lot of sitting and learning and learning how to be students,” she said.

Maurer described a modern kindergarten as more like a first-grade class of yesteryear. It’s all about learning their letters and letter sounds as well as learning the basics of reading and writing so they have the academic skills they will need when they reach the first grade.

She added that flexibility is crucial as her students engage in lessons. Some students may be able to work hard all morning long without a break, but with 5- or 6-year-olds, that doesn’t usually happen. That’s why it’s important to find a formula that works for her classes, Maurer said. Building a routine is key, and that routine typically includes lots of learning with recess and snack-time breaks thrown in for good measure.

“You get your work in, you take a break, then you do some more work and take a break,” she said. “You have to find a balance that works best.”

Maurer said at the beginning of the school year, she’ll work her students up to the level of