The Best Part of My Job

Some of the best moments in school are not planned.

They are not written into the lesson plan.

They are not part of the timetable.

They simply happen.

This photo was taken on one of those ordinary mornings.

We were outside. The sun was already warm, the trees were swaying a little in the breeze, and the children were running around after morning activities. Suddenly one child wrapped her arms around my shoulder and rested her head next to mine. Another leaned into the frame laughing.

Someone said, “Let’s take a picture!”

And just like that — this moment was captured.

When I look at this photo, I don’t just see smiles. I see trust.

For a child to hug a teacher so naturally means they feel safe.

For a child to laugh so freely means they feel they belong.

And to me, that is the heart of early childhood education.

Over the years, I have come to realise that teaching young children is not only about phonics, numbers, or completing worksheets. Of course those things matter. But what matters even more are the invisible things we build every day.

Connection.

Confidence.

Joy.

These are the foundations that help children grow into curious learners and kind human beings.

At Dreamkids, we believe that learning happens everywhere — not just at the table, but on the playground, under the trees, during messy play, and in the laughter shared between children and teachers.

Sometimes learning looks like digging for dinosaur fossils in the sand.

Sometimes it looks like climbing a little higher than yesterday.

And sometimes it looks like a child leaning on you, smiling at the camera.

Those moments remind me why I started Dreamkids in the first place.

As a mother of four, I know how quickly childhood passes. These early years are precious. They are where children learn not just about the world, but about themselves.

Am I safe here?

Do I belong?

Can I try again if I fail?

Our job as educators is not only to teach. It is to hold space for children to grow.

So yes, we teach phonics.

Yes, we work on numeracy.

Yes, we explore science, nature, and inquiry.

But more importantly, we build relationships.

Because when children feel loved, respected, and seen, learning comes naturally.

And sometimes, the best evidence of learning is simply a photo filled with laughter.

Moments like these remind me:

This is why we do what we do.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

— Dawn