Back to school jitters aren’t just for students. Teachers get anxious too, wondering how they’ll mesh with new students, get organized in time for the first day and meld national standards into their own style of teaching. For new teachers, the pressure can be even more consuming.
Scholastic Corporation, a well-known children’s book publishing company, has developed a New Teacher Survival Guide, with tips on everything from setting up your classroom and first day ice breakers to frequently asked questions and free printables. Don’t let the title fool you – it’s a great resource for seasoned teachers, too.
Do you remember your first day as a teacher? How did it go? What advice do you have for new teachers?
RELAX!!! The best part about the first day: most of the students are on their BEST behavior
Although you may have lots of procedures, guidelines, rules, and paperwork that need to be handled, figure out how to make a game out of most of it. The more fun it is for the students, the more fun it is for you, and the more relaxed everyone will be while doing all the necessary first day stuff.
Use all of your resources. Ask questions of the teachers in your grade level that have been there. Establish classroom rules. Have fun! The more you laugh in class, the better your environment for teaching will be.