Look at My Happy Rainbow: My Journey as a Male Kindergarten Teacher

by Matthew Halpern

What would a kindergartner write about me? Probably something Mr. Halpern is funny. He is handsome. He likes to laugh. I love Mr. Halpern. How can I top that? Who doesn't want to be funny, handsome, laugh all the time, and be loved by their students? What they don't know is I left a dreary cubicle job for the exciting, never boring life of a kindergarten teacher eight years ago and never looked back. I have seen and heard some crazy, hilarious, and even touching moments. Look at My Happy Rainbow is my account of the first few years working in a kindergarten classroom experiencing the day to day trials and tribulations and trying to see the world a little more through the eyes of a five-year-old. From the first time a child reached up to take my hand to learning the true value of zipping a coat, being a 'rooster in a world of hens' my unique perspective on teaching and children will (hopefully) warm your heart, make you laugh, and might even help you remember what it felt like to be in kindergarten. I have a very short attention span (this is why I'm so well suited to teach kindergarten). Some of the chapters are short. One is less than one page. I think this makes the book 'charming', but please know - this is not War and Peace.

Genres: Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2014

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoy this book, I have a preschooler who makes me laugh everyday and give the best hugs.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book. It almost makes me miss having my own classroom...almost. Mostly it makes me want to sub in my friend's kindergarten class again.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute short story about the first year of a male kindergarten teacher. Read for a book challenge: read a book with rainbow in the title.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, so touching.

How can I express how much I loved this book? Michael Halpern is a gifted teacher, writer and human being. I laughed and cried while reading this gem. Thank you for sharing these priceless stories. And thank you for making a difference in the lives of your students.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's about a very caring man who changes from a job he doesn't like to being a kindergarten teacher. I loved reading about the small things that happened in class that delighted him so. And it was also very interesting to read about how he solved little problems that came up.

[Jeremy Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I laughed, I cried...so good.

As a male kindergarten teacher, this book was a bit like reading my journal...if I wrote in one, which I will do from now on. A great reminder of why I have the greatest job in the world.

[Jeni Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute book. If you love reading about the quirky things kids say and do, this book will not disappoint. I would've loved for it to be longer.

[Ellen Shepley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went to high school with the author! Great book.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read this year, probably even the last few years. Mat is an incredible Kindergarten Teacher and it shows!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful memoir of a kindergartner teacher.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and cried reading this book. Any teacher will love this book! The stories he shares will bring back memories from your own teaching.

[Heather Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first found the author as a fellow inhabitant of a teacher forum. He had amazing things to say and contribute! His blog was filled with daily stories of his class filled with his "sprouts", and I loved reading how they grew with him and vice versa. This book does a wonderful job capturing the best of his stories and experiences. I would honestly recommend it to any elementary school teacher or parent. Heck, I'm neither but still enjoyed every page.

[Debbie Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough job but rewarding

I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a better understanding of how tough a job being a teacher is and having a daughter who teaches kindergarten it just really opened up my eyes to how important and rewarding her job is. I hear the same stories from her. Out of the mouths of babes! So cute.

[deborah trout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

When I chose this book I figured it would be quite funny and it definitely was. It also reminds me to listen more closely to people of all ages and look for the good.

[Melody McGloin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and Funny

After putting three kids through school, it's nice to read what other kids are like. Mr. Halpern is an amazing teacher, and puts such love and care into his work. All of that is made evident in every single page of this story.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming!

I could relate to the stories in Mr. Halpern's book. I really enjoyed the book, just wish it had been longer!

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and uplifting read! Definitely just what I needed to read before beginning the second half of the school year.

[Becky Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are an elementary school teacher this is a collection of experiences and stories that will make you smile as you read them. It is a light and easy read.

[Maryellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read! I enjoyed this book but I wish it was longer!

[Lynn Blosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So real!

I LOVE the way the children and teacher were presented. I felt like I was with them. Kindergarten and 1 st grade is the best! Good Job Mr. Halpern!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

the stories of a male kindergarten teacher. Amusing, and as a former kindergarten teacher, I was able to relate.

[SherryMarch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book!