Straight from the Sandpit: What Preschool Teachers Really Want You to Know

Preschool teachers spend their days with messy, magical little humans — teaching them letters, life skills, and how to line up without tears. But behind those smiles and storytimes are a few things they wish every parent understood.

At T4Tots, we spoke with real early childhood educators in Malaysia to find out: What do they want parents to know — and feel less guilty about?

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1. “It’s okay if your child doesn’t know ABCs yet.”

“We’d rather they come in knowing how to take turns than knowing how to count to 100.”

– Cikgu Fara, Tadika teacher, Likas

Preschool isn’t a race to master letters and numbers. It’s a space to build:

• Social skills

• Emotional resilience

• Independence

• Curiosity about the world

If your child enters preschool excited to learn, they’re already ahead.

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2. “Please let them do things for themselves.”

We know it’s faster to tie their shoes or feed them — but independence is learned through small daily tasks.

Teachers recommend:

• Let your child carry their own bag

• Pack their own water bottle

• Practice putting on shoes, zipping jackets, opening lunchboxes

“A 4-year-old who struggles to zip their bag but tries — that’s learning in action.”

- Teacher Dory, Integrated Child Learning School Teacher, Kota Kinabalu

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3. “Meltdowns are normal. Really.”

Transitions, new people, noise — it’s a lot. Teachers don’t expect perfect behaviour.

“We’re trained to handle big feelings. Your child isn’t bad if they cry or act out — they’re adjusting.”

- Cikgu Alimin, Kindergarten Teacher, Papar

What helps:

• Stay calm at drop-off

• Say a loving goodbye and leave confidently

• Trust the teachers — clinginess fades in days or weeks

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4. “We’re partners, not judges.”

Preschool teachers want to work with parents, not against them.

They appreciate when:

• You inform them about changes at home (e.g., new sibling, sleep troubles)

• You respond to feedback with curiosity, not defensiveness

• You ask for support if your child is struggling

“We’re not saying ‘your child is a problem’. We’re saying ‘let’s work together.’”

- Teacher Emmy, Preschool Teacher, Penampang

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5. “Play really is learning.”

Even if it looks like they’re “just playing,” your child is:

• Learning to wait and take turns

• Building imagination and language

• Developing fine motor skills

• Processing emotions

“The blocks teach more than a worksheet ever could. Trust the process.”

– Teacher Hafizah, Montessori Learning Centre Teacher, Kota Kinabalu

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Final Thought

Preschool teachers aren’t looking for perfect kids or perfect parents.

They’re looking for honest partnerships, open hearts, and children who feel safe to grow.

So pack that mismatched bento box. Skip the pressure.

And remember — your child is doing just fine. You are too.