Back to School Giveaway!

It is getting close to back to school time!  I have a $10 gift card that you can win to Teachers Pay Teachers!

It is easy to win...you just need to leave a comment about your best advice to a first year teacher!  I'll be compiling ideas and sharing them on a blog post in mid-August!

My advice to a first year teacher would be to focus on building a classroom community while you are also teaching your expectations.  It is so important for all students to feel welcomed and accepted at school by both their teacher and classmates.   One way I try and build a classroom community is to include the teaching of social skills.  

You can download this freebie of learning targets to help you get started!  This is just one example that is included.


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29 comments

  1. As a first year teacher I was so worried about everything. But my main problem was being afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid! It's the first time you have ever done almost everything you're going to be doing. Ask a question if you're not sure. Better to ask and do it right then not ask. No one will judge you!

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  2. My advice is to really instill those classroom routines and expectations. It may seem like overkill to model and have kids do certain things over and over until they get it correct, but it will be worth it when they can do it automatically. It will save you from chaos and from wasting valuable instruction time. Remember...wasted seconds and minutes each day can add up to wasted hours and even DAYS over the period of a school year! Some examples of things to perfect: Coming to meeting area, lining up, leaving meeting area, drink and bathroom procedures, getting supplies, turning things in, going to centers/stations, cleaning up centers/stations, meeting at small group area.
    Practical Primary Teacher

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  3. Don't forget to take some time to yourself.

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  4. Find another teacher that you go can go to for help and support. It really makes a difference having someone to support you!

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  5. Read The First Days of School by Harry Wong and follow his advice! I still review it before the start of every school year and I'm beginning my 21st year of teaching. Be willing to invest 2-4 weeks teaching the rules, routines and procedures WELL - it makes all the difference.

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  6. Have a teacher friend who is always there and willing to help you. I just finished my first year and that is what saved my life!

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  7. Be consistent from day one and have good communication with parents!!

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  8. Plan out your procedures, then have students practice, practice, practice.

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  9. Plan out your procedures, then have students practice, practice, practice.

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  10. Always collaborate and communicate!

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  11. Use the first few weeks to go over routines and procedures- even if you feel like you've done it a million times. It will make a huge difference for the rest of the year.

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  12. Use your fellow grade level teachers as a resource for questions, guidance, anything you need!

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  13. Like in Zootopia the song says "Try Everything"! Don't get set on one method if it isn't working.

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  14. Prepare and plan! Teach routines, rules and expectations from the very first day.

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  15. Don't feel like you have to stick 100% to all the curriculum and lesson plans that are provided to you. You know what is best for your students since you spend all day together!

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  16. Follow the Golden Rule! Treat your students how you want to be treated. Mutual respect goes a long way!

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  17. You do not have to have everything absolutely perfect the first day of school. Your classroom and teaching will grow as you experience it and that is okay.

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  18. You do not have to have everything absolutely perfect the first day of school. Your classroom and teaching will grow as you experience it and that is okay.

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  19. I would say that you want to get the kids moving the first day of school. They are not used to sitting still, so find opportunities to get them moving!

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  20. I would say that you want to get the kids moving the first day of school. They are not used to sitting still, so find opportunities to get them moving!

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  21. My advice is to establish routines from the beginning and STICK with them. It's easy to let things slide every once in awhile but the kids will pick up on that. BE CONSISTENT.

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  22. My advice is to establish routines from the beginning and STICK with them. It's easy to let things slide every once in awhile but the kids will pick up on that. BE CONSISTENT.

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  23. My advice is to focus on classroom management. By having clear expectations and easily to follow procedures, you will be able to focus on instruction as the school year progresses.

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  24. I am in my first year of teaching at the moment and I would have to say it is so important to stop comparing yourself to other teachers who are further along in your career, and focus your energy instead on developing a support network and learning new skills and techniques. :)

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  25. Don't sweat the small stuff and remember it is ALL small stuff. Other teachers will always look like they have it all together but you have to remember that the grass always looks greener. Relax and enjoy!

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  26. Ask questions! They may seem silly but they will save you a lot of time and sanity later. Enjoy your first year and try new things.

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  27. First year teacher advice: create a bond with your students, relationships are everything. They will work and try hard for those they know care and believe in them. Also another important piece of advice: Be Flexible, plans, schedules, activities, students change every day, don't be uptight about it, be flexible and make it work.

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  28. Thank you! I'm excited to redeem my gift card!

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