Pick-A-Boo! Is Foundation Phase Teaching The Career For You?

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Nothing quite evokes the controversial emotion of regret and panic when a grade-2 runs up to you, snot dripping from her nose, and soggy hands from who-knows-what she's been touching. Then you see it. The crinkling of the nose as she is about to sneeze. This is but a very small part of a large world of Foundation Phase Teaching, and a very good reason why Foundation Phase teaching is a calling, not just a career.

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“You really shouldn't choose this degree if it is not your calling-other wise it will drive you nuts. And many times you will cry....that's ok too. We've all done it” Graduated Foundation Phase Teaching Student at TUKS.

“I've always had a heart for children,”-Olivia, Foundation Phase Teaching Student at Embury College

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So the thought of studying teaching has probably bounced in the minds of thousands if not millions of potential students. After all, teaching is easy, right? Well, that is where the illusion and stereotypes fade very quickly as you start studying. This career choice is certainly no exception to the common trope of a 'lazy job'. However, this trope couldn't be further from the truth.

So what is Foundation Phase Teaching?

This form of teaching focuses on educating children from the about the age of three months till up to grade 3 learners. A college/university student gets taught to be creative and focuses on the interaction you have between you as the teacher and the child as the learner. This degree opens the doors of becoming full/part-time teacher, tutor, government work, opening up your school, and more. Additionally, it grants opportunities for jobs around the globe. Teaching is always high in demand. Sounds ideal, right?

But there is far more to Foundation Phase Teaching than what meets the eye.

Foundation Phase teaching can be expensive depending on the course you take. A lot of the marks rely on assignments as you are required to make your own tools using crafts. And if you have seen the prices in the art stores it'll make you rethink how much effort you're going to put in. Problem is, if you go cheap, as a norm, you'll get cheap marks too. And that is never a good thing while studying. Plus, buying textbooks required for the course can cost more or less between R5K-7K . So make sure to take this into account on top of the tuition fees. This is not often mentioned, as it is assumed you already know. So be warned.

With lots of bills come lots of hard work. Essentially, it may be easy at times, but the workload required can take hours, days and at times weeks to complete. Overnighters and coffee addiction is a common occurrence with this course, believe it or not, and procrastinating will get you into heaps of trouble. Although the amount of work is doable, one must be prepared for this as you start studying this career. And a good reason why you have to be passionate about your choice. People prioritize and work on what they love.

But only so much love can help you while one kid bites your finger and the other is crying because she slapped her friend. To survive and thrive in this course, you will have to look within yourself, and possess these traits to make it through this industry. Either has them naturally or learn them very quickly. Patience is at the frontier. Remaining calm is key even when ten tons of pressure and stress is knocking on your door, and being prepared to work for long hours is also a given. Albeit you'll have holidays as a student, the moment you walk into this career you won't have as much vacation time as you think. You do not take off when the kids do. That's a fact too.

But if you love working with little ones, prepared to work hard and make a difference in their lives, then, by all means, go for it. Every career choice has their obstacles, but determination and endurance will get you through in the long haul. As a teacher, you will make a difference. And in this career choice, you will be building the foundations of young hearts. Whether it is good or bad foundations is truly up to you. So get those tissues, grit, determination and a whole lot of stickers, because you are truly in for a journey. You will have stories, laughs, ups and downs, but in the end, if you love what you do, it will all be worth it.

If you are studying Foundation Phase Teaching, please share your stories! I would love to hear and share them. Teaching is an honourable profession, and teaching little ones requires bravery, patience, virtue and intelligence. Almost sounds like a knight...doesn't it?

Rescources: Images from Canva

Students studying Foundation Phase Teaching

Career 24