Teaching in a Classroom

The first few days of school set the tone for the entire year. Getting started with fun, informative, and relationship-building activities for the first day of school can go a long ways in developing a positive classroom environment.Here is a list of simple to prepare activities that work well on the first day or days of school. It includes activities for helping the students get acquainted with their new teacher, quiet activities for the introverts, and funny activities for building camaraderie. All About the Teacher Get Acquainted … [Read more...] about Simple Classroom Activities for the First Day of School

The first day of school brings with it a wide range of emotions for all teachers, but especially a new teacher. No matter how much time you've spent student teaching and substitute teaching, nothing fully prepares you for the first day in your own classroom. But it is definitely possible to plan for a successful first day of school!If you have taken the time to carefully prepare your classroom for the first day of school, then you are ready to think about activities for the first day. Here are some simple steps that will increase the … [Read more...] about Teacher Tips for a Successful First Day of School

Many people become teachers because they love the subject matter, working with children, and making a difference in the lives of others. But classroom management is a significant part of being a successful teacher. In fact, setting up effective classroom management strategies can make or break the first year for many teachers.Carefully planning classroom management strategies such as procedures and expectations makes the start of a new year easier for both teachers and students. Having a well thought-out plan also helps ensure a … [Read more...] about Classroom Management Strategies for New Teachers and the New School Year

I started at four different schools in the span of eight years. For me it was new school, new grade, and new curriculum each time. In that time, I learned a great deal about getting organized when everything is new.Thinking about the first day of school can leave new teachers feeling like they don't know where to start. There are materials to organize, curriculum to prepare, bulletin boards to decorate, and a thousand other details. But by systematically approaching the tasks related to preparing your classroom for the first day of school, … [Read more...] about How to Prepare Your Classroom for the First Day of School

I've gone through the process of deciding to quit a teaching job four times. Yes, four. Once was to leave for a (supposedly) better job, once was to relocate, and once was to leave teaching permanently due to burnout.The other was due to the unhealthy atmosphere in the school. It never seriously crossed my mind to leave mid-year. I had made a commitment and I stuck it out, even to my own detriment. If I could do it over again, would I do the same or quit sooner? I'm not sure. We really couldn't afford to have me quit so that factor probably … [Read more...] about Why Teachers Quit Teaching Mid-Year