Here are some words of wisdom for all those teachers just starting out, from a few teachers who remember well that panicky feeling that comes at the beginning of your first year.
* Do NOT be afraid to ask for help. It's hard sometimes, but we've all been there.
*Write things down - funny/sweet things the kids say, successes, etc. Look back at these things on hard days (cause you will have them).
* Teaching and loving the kids should be your priority. If something has to give, those things
should not. Also, don't be afraid to let those kiddos know you care.--Kasey
*Don't hesitate to quit! What?! Yes, it's true, you can quit any old time you see that blank stare in those kiddos eyes. Sometimes they just don't understand a concept the way you choose to teach it. A good teacher doesn't keep plugging away at it. Revisit it later or tomorrow even, when you have figured out a different way to go about teaching the concept.
*Laugh. Laugh a lot. Learning is fun, enjoy it with your kiddos. Laugh at your mistakes (yes you will make them) and move on, you will be teaching your students that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you push past them.
*Do what you can to develop a good relationship with parents. Remember, you have their kiddos nearly 8 hours a day. Be kind, courteous and professional and let them know how much you love teaching! A great relationship with parents helps VOLUMES with the climate of your classroom.--Ericka
should not. Also, don't be afraid to let those kiddos know you care.--Kasey
*Don't hesitate to quit! What?! Yes, it's true, you can quit any old time you see that blank stare in those kiddos eyes. Sometimes they just don't understand a concept the way you choose to teach it. A good teacher doesn't keep plugging away at it. Revisit it later or tomorrow even, when you have figured out a different way to go about teaching the concept.
*Laugh. Laugh a lot. Learning is fun, enjoy it with your kiddos. Laugh at your mistakes (yes you will make them) and move on, you will be teaching your students that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you push past them.
*Do what you can to develop a good relationship with parents. Remember, you have their kiddos nearly 8 hours a day. Be kind, courteous and professional and let them know how much you love teaching! A great relationship with parents helps VOLUMES with the climate of your classroom.--Ericka
*Love and care about your students. You are with them 8 hours a day, there should be a bond that forms between you. Make sure your students know you love and care about them. Make school somewhere you all want to be, learning together. If you don't like kids, please, please, please find a new profession. That also stands true for if there is ever a point in your career that you stop enjoying what you do, it's time to find something else. I don't mean to sound harsh, but we need to enjoy teaching and enjoy the students in order to make a difference. Back to loving those kids! There is something to love about each and every one of them. Even the stinkers (who usually turn out to be my favorites!) Find what you love about them and in turn they will love you right back and show you respect. Then you can have fun learning together with your little friends for the rest of the year!--Tina
Happy Teaching
&
Good Luck!
Great words of advice. I wrote something very similar.
ReplyDeletewww.learningwithmrsparker.blogspot.com
I love your advice to laugh a lot. That is perfect! We need to be professional yet light hearted in our approach with little ones. Have a great new year!
ReplyDeleteDee
FirstImpressions