This is my first year teaching kindergarten and I love it. I'm just going to tell you everything I wish someone had told me so forgive me if this post is all over the place.

I agree with the commenter who said never assume they know anything. You have to clearly and simply explain everything. But not only explain, you have to model, discuss what was being modeled, and then practice, practice, practice.

Also, I would spend a lot of time on social-emotional learning. If two kids are arguing, you can't just tell them to work it out. You have to model for them, give them the vocabulary, and role play conflict resolution for different situations. Teaching the kids to ignore distractions is also very important. Also how to share and how to be kind. You'll figure it out.

Have a discipline plan in place and explain it to them at the beginning of the year. Discuss why proper behavior is important and be very clear about the consequences. Coming up with the classroom rules together is a good practice. I'm a big fan of Responsive Classroom methods. Rules in School is a good book to check out, as well as The First Six Weeks of School.

I think a lot of kindergartens are moving away from nap time. I try to give my kids two recesses a day.

As for materials, I always need more dry erase markers, kleenex, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, hand sanitizer, hand soap (if you have a sink in the classroom), copy paper, construction paper, watercolors, self-stick easel pads, crayons, markers, tape, and spare gloves and hats. Also, get as many books for your room as you can. You can never have too many books.

Like I said, you'll figure it out. Don't worry about being perfect or always having the perfect lesson. Be enthusiastic, be consistent, and get to know your kids. And always have extra stuff for your kids to do.

Oh, and keep track of and plan for all the holidays and other significant days. For example, you can plan fun lessons around Dr. Seuss' birthday.

Hope this all helps!