Thursday, August 11, 2016
Sunday, August 7, 2016
The Last Weeks Before School
I think everyone is starting to feel the stress and anxiety of going back to school. Or maybe you felt those feelings a few weeks ago, as I know many of you have already gone back. Being only a 4th year teacher, I remember those first years and the excitement I felt of getting my first classroom. So, here are three tips that I can give the new teachers and maybe even some reassurance for the veteran teachers!
Tip #1:
Don't try to do it all!
Ok, the phrase I'm thinking of is "Pinterest Classroom". I'm sure many of you have seen the meme about those teachers who have the "Pinterest-ready classrooms" and I'm here to tell you that you will not make it there in your first year. I got close, I'm not going to lie, but I knew that I had minimal resources and had to work with what I was given. I had to remember that I had to relax and not stress out over my classroom. Start with the basics and then work up to your dream classroom--IT WILL HAPPEN! Those Pinterest-ready classrooms took years to create and years of collecting resources, not to mention $$$$.
Tip #2:
Try not to spend all your money!
I'm just as guilty of going all out at the Dollar Store, Walmart, Target, Teacher Stores, etc. DON'T DO IT! :) I have to laugh as I write that because I know it is easier said than done. Just remember that the kids don't really care about the "stuff" in your room. They want a welcoming environment and an even more welcoming teacher. When you create that relationship with your students, you will have a great year! Of course, it takes a little bit of management skills as well, but that relationship is a close tie for first as to a smooth running classroom!
Tip #3:
It's simple--BREATHE!
I know many of us have meetings and trainings right before the kids come. Some of us don't have support from significant others or parents because they have never put together a classroom before school starts. Emails are sent from principals about rules that teachers have to abide by. The list could go on and on. But you have to remember to breathe! It will be stressful--I cannot lie about that. You are going to feel frustrated and overwhelmed--again, I can't lie. Just remember that the most important things are your students. You are a teacher because of the kids--not all the extra mumbo-jumbo that happens behind the scenes. Everyone has those tough spots about their jobs, the behind the scenes is ours. Breathe and yes, it's ok to drink abottle glass of wine!
I hope this helps you out just a little bit. There is so much that goes into the beginning of the year that it's hard to narrow it all down to what is the most important, but I like to think about what my English teacher taught me--KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). He had a tough sense of humor for a 9th grade teacher, haha! Always keep the kids in mind and you will be just fine! Enjoy your first days of school and I wish you all a great year!
Tip #1:
Don't try to do it all!
Ok, the phrase I'm thinking of is "Pinterest Classroom". I'm sure many of you have seen the meme about those teachers who have the "Pinterest-ready classrooms" and I'm here to tell you that you will not make it there in your first year. I got close, I'm not going to lie, but I knew that I had minimal resources and had to work with what I was given. I had to remember that I had to relax and not stress out over my classroom. Start with the basics and then work up to your dream classroom--IT WILL HAPPEN! Those Pinterest-ready classrooms took years to create and years of collecting resources, not to mention $$$$.
Tip #2:
Try not to spend all your money!
I'm just as guilty of going all out at the Dollar Store, Walmart, Target, Teacher Stores, etc. DON'T DO IT! :) I have to laugh as I write that because I know it is easier said than done. Just remember that the kids don't really care about the "stuff" in your room. They want a welcoming environment and an even more welcoming teacher. When you create that relationship with your students, you will have a great year! Of course, it takes a little bit of management skills as well, but that relationship is a close tie for first as to a smooth running classroom!
Tip #3:
It's simple--BREATHE!
I know many of us have meetings and trainings right before the kids come. Some of us don't have support from significant others or parents because they have never put together a classroom before school starts. Emails are sent from principals about rules that teachers have to abide by. The list could go on and on. But you have to remember to breathe! It will be stressful--I cannot lie about that. You are going to feel frustrated and overwhelmed--again, I can't lie. Just remember that the most important things are your students. You are a teacher because of the kids--not all the extra mumbo-jumbo that happens behind the scenes. Everyone has those tough spots about their jobs, the behind the scenes is ours. Breathe and yes, it's ok to drink a
I hope this helps you out just a little bit. There is so much that goes into the beginning of the year that it's hard to narrow it all down to what is the most important, but I like to think about what my English teacher taught me--KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). He had a tough sense of humor for a 9th grade teacher, haha! Always keep the kids in mind and you will be just fine! Enjoy your first days of school and I wish you all a great year!
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