Senior Male Childcare Teacher Internship: A Surprise Concert

I am 'Nontan,' a member of the 'Senior Male Childcare Worker Network'.

Friday, March 31, 2023, marked the final day of my four-day pre-employment practical training for children certified under Category 2.

This was the last day of the 2022 fiscal year. The senior-class children certified under Category 2 (graduates) who were attending daycare would become elementary school students the following week, making this their final day at the nursery.

During my practical training, I received so much energy from these children, especially during playtime in the schoolyard. Now, these children were finally heading off to elementary school.

The day before, I had the idea to express my gratitude and send them off with a musical performance! I told the head teacher, 'Since this is my goodbye to the graduates, I would like to give them a cello performance as a gift.' To my surprise, they countered with, 'That sounds great. In that case, let's make it a concert for all Category 2 children in the preschool classes to celebrate their graduation and advancement!'

On the morning of the final day, the hall was transformed into an impromptu concert venue.
In front of the stage, all Category 2 children from the preschool classes, including the 2-year-old toddlers who would be advancing to the junior class the next day, gathered with their chairs.

It seemed this was the children's first time seeing a cello. So, I started by introducing the instrument. Then, I played two songs: 'Path of the Wind' from My Neighbor Totoro and one of my favorites, 'Beyond the Rainbow'.
It turned out that 'Beyond the Rainbow' was a song the children also loved, and they sang along to the cello accompaniment.

I was wrapped in an indescribable sense of emotion; it was truly a moment like being in a dream.

Now, starting Monday, April 3, I will officially begin my employment, and my practical work as a childcare teacher, including for Category 1 children, will commence.

Written by: Nontan