July 29, 2019
6 Strategies for Surviving Back-to-School Week
School’s starting back up! Are you ready?
When it comes to back-to-school, we’re giddy, we’re excited, and we’re maybe a bit nervous too. Even veteran teachers can get first-week jitters! Here are our top tips for coming out on top.
Here’s to smooth sailing into the new year and improving your practice at every turn.
When it comes to back-to-school, we’re giddy, we’re excited, and we’re maybe a bit nervous too. Even veteran teachers can get first-week jitters! Here are our top tips for coming out on top.
- Over-prepare. For the first few days or weeks, over-plan until you find your rhythm. Having a contingency plan (or two, or three) might seem like overkill — until you find yourself with a group of students who sail through a lesson plan, leaving you with an hour to spare.
- Don’t skimp on the rules. This is one area where you’ll want to invest quality time in early on so you can reap the rewards all school year long. Use time each day to teach procedures in interactive ways, whether it’s how to walk in line, turn in homework, or manage cell phone distractions. Repeat yourself. Practice. Model. Do it again. Your classroom will run better for everyone when the expectations are crystal clear.
- Redirect when necessary. The beginning of the school year is the best time to help students build better habits. When you see incorrect behavior, take the time to address it. Then, model what’s expected. Don’t embarrass, but don’t let anything slide — students can easily default to thinking they can get away with it.
- Watch and learn. Observe your students as they work (and eat and play) in order to get to know them. See what choices they make and learn how they interact with each other. Studying students gives us insight on how to better teach them.Want to take it a step further by observing yourself? Instructional rounds are an invaluable tool for gaining a new perspective on your own practice.
- Practice empathy. The first days are tough for kids, too. Aside from the mysteries that are you and your classroom, they’re navigating everything from who to eat lunch with to how to handle a new routine. Take extra measures to establish an emotionally safe classroom and set the tone for kindness. You could even consider adding a mindful moment to the school day.
Here’s to smooth sailing into the new year and improving your practice at every turn.
Related Blog Posts
-
Back-to-School Hacks: 8 Ideas for Setting Up Your ClassroomJul 20, 2022It’s time to start thinking about setting up your classroom. Here are eight ways to make y...
-
Your Complete Back-to-School ChecklistJun 8, 2022Before we know it, summer break will be over, and the fall semester will be in full swing....
-
On the Journey: Welcome to the New YearJan 6, 2021First-year teacher Brianna Winiesdorffer shares about her experiences leading up to winter...
-
On the Journey: Beginning the School YearOct 27, 2020First-year teacher Brianna Winiesdorffer shares with us how she's adjusted to her firs...
-
Get Mentally (and Physically) Prepared for Back-to-SchoolJul 30, 2019Rest. Refresh. Reset. Teachers savor the long days of summer for many reasons: time with f...
-
Back-to-School BasicsJul 27, 2018Sarah Simpson dishes her back-to-school tactics for when it feels like herding cats.
-
The Beginner’s Guide to Planning the First Week of SchoolAug 3, 2017First-time teacher? These 10 tips will make your first week smooth sailing. As a first-yea...
-
Ten Districts Top List of Arizona Public Systems Most Financially Invested in National Board CertificationNov 13, 2024More than 50 Arizona school districts provide a stipend or other financial incentive to NB...
-
Celebrating 84 new, 124 maintained NBCTs in ArizonaJan 21, 2024These teachers have earned or maintained the highest certificate an educator can achieve i...
-
Recognizing Systems Prioritizing a Financial Commitment to National BoardJan 8, 2024More than 50 Arizona school districts provide a stipend or some sort of financial incentiv...
