Going back to school is a nerve-wrecking time for everyone – including teachers! It is a brand new start; a chance to do things differently and establish a new routine. We asked some of our followers what are their “Back to School” tips for teachers.
Here’s what they said:
1. Focus on getting to know your students. Enjoy meeting your new group and getting acquainted with them. By working as a group establishing classroom routines and expectations, as well as ‘Getting to Know You’ games, you can set your year off to a smooth start.
2. Plan your week in advance. Schedule boring organisation stuff like lunches (what you will have, if it needs to be prepared in advance etc.) as well as allotting time for when you will sort out organisational tasks (and if you plan to stay later etc.)
3. As Benjamin Franklin said “Fail to prepare; prepare to fail”. Try to have some of your ducks in a row before the students are back.
4. Enjoy it – this is what we trained for! It’s true – there is a special feeling on the first day and week of a new school year. Like a sense of anticipation of the year ahead. Relish it.
5. Have a welcoming word for newbies on staff – its not easy being a newbie!
6. Find your person in your staff that can be your sounding board / agony aunt / teaching & learning guru – and you to them!
7. Don’t try to do everything at once – ease yourself back into it!
8. Try and set good intentions in terms of how you spend your time – in the classroom and outside. Where focus goes, energy flows.
9. Choose your staff room buddies with consideration.
10. Have a trip booked for your next break!
Good luck everyone – you got this!
Rahoo provides online professional development for teachers. You can access our short course menu HERE.
