Preschool teachers deserve appreciation for the patience, passion, and care they provide to early learners each day. This collection contains heartfelt poems that offer gratitude and praise for preschool teachers’ important work. Short rhyming verses and sincere messages express the profound impact that preschool educators have on children’s growth. These thoughtful poems are perfect for Teacher Appreciation Week or any time you want to acknowledge your preschool teachers.
Lead Me, Dear Teacher
Original Author: Unknown
Lead me, dear teacher every day, in ways that I should go,
Point out fair meadows to me, where lovely flowers grow,
Take my little hand in yours and hold it every tight,
Turn my face to beauty and my heart to loving Right.
No steps are so untrained as yet, my path is not quite true,
I marvel at your many skills and I trust may all to you,
My hands are still so feeble, they drop and spill, and break,
Be patient with my clumsiness for little children’s sake.
My words are few and feeble, nor can I always say
The things I mean to tell you, in any ordered way,
But when you listened kindly, my courage grows apace,
I’m almost eloquent at times, encouraged by your face.
Please let me stand beside you – its good to be quite near,
It gives one self assurance to know that you are here,
To know that you’ll not laugh at me when I’m bold or shy,
Fills all my soul with confidence and there’s nothing I won’t try.
You’ll turn my heart to lovely things – so easily I’m led,
My destiny is being mapped, when you smile or nod your head,
Let’s do a heap of loving, as we journey on our way,
Be generous, be prodigal, for loving me will pay.
Shut from this sweet picture, the vulgar and the base,
All Heaven is reflected in your young or wrinkled face,
Do walk close, so close beside me, my little hand in yours,
I need your learning to be sure, but I need your loving more.
A Child’s Plea
Original Author: Unknown
Today I did my math and science.
I toasted bread, I halved and quartered, counted, measured, and used my eyes, ears and hands.
I added and subtracted on the way.
I used magnets, blocks and memory tray.
I learned about a rainbow and how to weigh.
So please don’t say –
‘ANYTHING IN YOUR BAG TODAY?’
You see. I’m sharing as I play, to learn to listen and speak clearly when I talk
to wait my turn and when inside to walk.
To put my words into a phrase, to find my name and write it down.
To do it with a smile and not a frown,
to put my pasting brush away. So please, don’t say –
WHAT NOTHING IN YOUR BAG TODAY?’
I learned about a snail and a worm.
Remembered how to take my turn.
Helped a friend when he was stuck.
Learned that water runs off a duck.
Looked at words from left to right.
Agreed to differ, not to fight.
So please don’t say –
‘DID YOU ONLY PLAY TODAY?’
Yes, I played the whole day through.
I played to learn the things I do.
I speak a problem, find a clue
and work out for myself just what to do.
My teacher’s set the scene, and stay near-by to help me when I really try.
They are there to pose the problems, and to help me think.
I hope they will keep me floating and never let me sink.
All of this is in my head and not in my bag. It makes me sad to hear you say –
‘HAVEN’T YOU DONE ANYTHING TODAY?’
When you attend your meeting today and do your work I will remember not to
say to you –
‘WHAT NOTHING IN YOUR BAG? WHAT DID YOU DO?’
Just Playing
Original Author: Anita Wadley Schlaht
When I’m building in the block room,
Please don’t say I’m “Just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play,
About balance, I may be an architect someday.
When I’m getting all dressed up,
Setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don’t get the idea I’m “Just Playing.”
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don’t let me hear you say, “He is Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I just might be a teacher someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “playing” at my school,
Please don’t feel the time is wasted in “play.”
For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “Just Play.”
I’m learning to follow directions and see the differences.
I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I’ve done at school today,
And I say, “I just played.”
Please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.
I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work is play.
A Teacher’s Prayer
Original Author: Unknown
I want to teach my students more than lessons in a book;
I want to teach them deeper things that people overlook-
The value of a rose in bloom, its use and beauty, too
A sense of curiosity to discover what is true;
How to think and how to choose the right above the wrong,
How to live and learn each day and grow up to be strong;
To teach them always how to gain in wisdom and in grace,
So they will someday make the world a brighter, better place.
Lord, let me be a friend and guide to give these minds a start
Upon their way down life’s long road, then I’ll have done my part.
Ode to Child Care
Original Author: Unknown
Little children come to me for hugs and books and such,
I care for all their simple needs and I also fix them lunch,
I pick up toys, mop us spills and often dry their tears,
I change their diapers, settle fights, and kiss away their tears
I tie their shoes, button coats and push them on the swing,
I really love these kids, you see, but there is just one thing,
Call me Mom, or Aunt or Donna those names might fit,
But please don�t call me sitter, because I never get to sit.
With Apologies to None
Original Author: Unknown
When I am asked what I do, I usually get the following reaction:
When I say, “I work at a Child care center” I generally hear a
very flat “Oh”. I have never been certain whether it is an expression
of pity, sympathy, disgust or perhaps disinterest. Always I wish I
had the time to explain to them like this:
Yes, I work at a day care center, “With Apologies to None.” Where
else would a handsome and very young man put his arms around me and
ask, “Do you know that I love you?”
Where else could I see a fashion show daily and keep up on the latest
trends for the very young”
Where else could my limited wardrobe be complimented or my earrings
thought beautiful?
Where else could I walk into a crowd and have warm little hands reach
to touch me?
Where else could I have the privilege of wiggling the loose teeth and
receive the promise that I may pull them when they’re loose enough?
Where else would I guide a chubby little hand that may someday write a
book or an important document?
Where else would I forget my own aches and pains because of scratched
knees, bumped heads and broken hearts that need care?
Where else could I forget taxes and even “The State of the Nation”
because Bill isn’t adjusting as he should and other methods must be
tried?
Where else could my mind stay so young as with a group whose attention
span is so short that I must always keep a “Bag of Tricks” up my sleeve?
Where else could I feel so close to my Maker as I do each year when
because of something I have done, little children learn and grow?
Yes, I work at a Child Care Center (or home), Mr. and Mrs. America. . .
and. . . I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Preschool Teacher’s Pledge
Original Author: Unknown
Place your right hand over your left eye and repeat after me.
Dear Children,
I do solemnly promise to abide by these rules or be struck down by a speeding tricycle. I hereby promise to:
* Try to be understanding and loving when things don’t go right.
* Be encouraging and patient when you need my help
* Give you lots of free and unstructured time to grow
* Give you some structured times for learning and fun
* Try to remember what it’s like to be a kid
* Enjoy you and love you a lot!
Box Of Crayons
Original Author: Unknown
While walking in a toy store
The day before today,
I over heard a Crayon Box
With many things to say.
“I don’t like red!” said Yellow.
And Green said, “Nor do I !
And no one here likes Orange,
But no one knows quite why.”
“We are a box of crayons
that really doesn’t get along,”
Said Blue to all the others.
“Something here is wrong!
Well, i bought that box of crayons
And took it home with me
And laid out all the crayons
So the crayons could all see
They watched me as I colored
With Red and Blue and Green
And Black and White and Orange
And every color in between
They watched as Green became the grass
And Blue became the sky.
The Yellow sun was shining bright
On White clouds drifting by.
Colors changing as they touched,
Becoming something new.
They watched me as I colored.
They watched till I was through.
And when I’d finally finished,
I began to walk away.
And as I did the Crayon box
Had something more to say……..
“I do like Red!” said the Yellow
And Green said, “So do I !”
And Blue you are terrific!
So high up in the sky.”
“We are a Box of Crayons
Each of us unique,
But when we get together
The picture is complete”
Practice Your ABC’s
Original Author: Unknown
Act silly
Believe in Magic
Create adventures
Daydream every chance you get
Enjoy life as much as possible
Find time for fun
Goof off
Hang upside down from trees
Imagine…
Join clubs
Keep it simple
Love all creatures
Make time for friends
Nap when you can
Open you mind to new ideas!!!
Play when you feel like it
Question the answers
Run with the wind
Sing favorite songs
Take days off
Uncover your talents
Venture out
Walk on the wild side
X-pect the best
Yield to the moment
Zzzz peacefully at night
The Little Angel
Original Author: Anonymous
I dreamed I went to heaven,
and saw among the dead
an angel there in blue jeans
a halo ’round her head
she looked kind of different
midst all the glowing white
the others asked in jealousy
“what gives her such a right?”
“I’m just a child care provider,
I lay no hold to fame
but being such a person
means more then just a name.
My jobs on earth were many
praises and thanks were few
I did more work in one day
then ten people ought to do.
I was a business person, bookkeeper
and the mother, also educator
first aider, and nutritionist too.
I taught a babbling baby
to talk like a champ
I found a little angel
in every little scamp.
Yes, it was fun a lot of fun
life was never a bore
you see, this role isn’t new to me
I’ve been an angel before.
What Are You Doing Teaching Preschool
Original Author: Unknown
There are those days when the logical mind says, you must move on and do a better job of supporting yourself.
Those days when the logical mind say, why did you choose this career, it is not reasonable.
If the heart can still the mind, then the answers are apparent.
Perhaps logic did not play a great part in choosing our jobs as teachers.
If we are truly teaching life’s most important lessons to the little ones.
The lesson of love, to love oneself unconditionally and to share that love with others.
Perhaps we were guided and chosen to be in this place.
For teaching love in a crowded, confused and often angry world, is not something everyone can do.
Though our wallets may not be overflowing,
How many people are hugged and told they are loved by the people they work with each day?
How many people own original art works created expressly for them?
How many jobs allow you to wipe away tears and make the world a better place for others?
How many people are allowed to see a tired, weary world through fresh new eyes, where all things are possible,
To hear laughter and joy for no big reason, just for being.
When the logical mind say, what are you doing teaching young children,
Listen to your heart one more time.
Sick Child
Original Author: Unknown
Mary had a little lamb,
she also had the flu.
And when she left her day care (school),
the others had it too.
So anytime your child is sick,
please keep her home with you.
Then the children in our day care (school)
will be happier and healthier too!