u/HappyLittlePothos — reddlx

Hello all!

I am a level one ECE student preparing to go on my first practicum in a week. It will be a month long full days. I just found out my placement location today, I will be placed in a Kindergarten class. I did very well in my courses this semester, extremely proud. With that said, I honestly feel my semester prepared me more for the infant-preschool age groups. Kindergarten in a classroom setting feels like a curveball in comparison to the focus of my semester.

What I am trying to ask is for tips, advice, maybe some words of encouragement? As well, if you have been an on-site supervisor in a Kindergarten class with a student shadowing before what are some experiences you may feel are worth sharing? Or share your experiences on practicum?

My fear is that I have a manual of things I am expected to complete, in order to put into practice what I’ve learnt during the semester, yet there is also an expectation by week two to lead transitions and really get involved. I would say I am an outgoing person who tends to take initiative, but I feel way out of my depth with this. I have not had any experience in childcare/school settings. I want to be excited, but I’m just filled with self-doubts and performance anxieties.

side note: emailed my on-site to introduce myself and I made a typo when writing my email address for contact information. I sent a follow up to correct the typo and it autocorrected to the same typo again. I’m sure they will likely reply directly to the email or notice the discrepancy, I’m just embarrassed by that first impression although part of me knows it’s really not a big deal.