A Funny or Unforgettable Kindergarten Scenario
Every kindergarten teacher has that one ringtone that becomes a classroom anthem. Mine was a cheerful, bouncy tune that, for reasons still unknown, made my students erupt into spontaneous dance every time my phone rang. At first, it was cute, twenty-five tiny humans grooving in unison to my “beaty” ringtone. But soon, it became an inside joke… a joke only we understood.
One morning, after a particularly noisy start to the day, I decided it was time to address our classroom behaviour. I gathered everyone on the mat, took a deep breath, and began my best ‘serious teacher’ talk.
“Children,” I said in my calm but firm voice, “you’re growing up now. We need to learn how to behave like responsible students, in the class, in the corridor, everywhere.”
To my delight, they nodded obediently. Some little voices joined in, saying, “Yes, ma’am, we’ll be good!” and “We’ll walk quietly in the line! We’ll not run in the corridors.”
Their little faces were so sincere that my teacher heart swelled with pride as they quietly went back to their seats. I thought, “Ah, they finally get it. I’m really getting through to them today!”
And just as I was silently celebrating my successful pep talk… my phone rang. Oops!!!
In an instant, chairs flew back, hands went up, and all twenty-five children leapt to their feet, breaking into a full-blown dance party. The “beaty” ringtone had done it again. My serious lecture dissolved into laughter as the room transformed from a calm, orderly gathering into a mini disco. I tried to look stern, I really did… but it was impossible. Watching them dance with such joy and coordination, I burst out laughing. So much for my “moment of authority.” That day reminded me that teaching kindergarten isn’t about perfect control; it’s about embracing imperfection with humour. You can spend hours teaching discipline, but sometimes the best lesson is laughter. After all, in the world of six-year-olds, even discipline can have a dance break!
Seema Samuel, KG2 Teacher
