Health Lesson Plans Elementary School

Tips and Advce for First Year Elementary Teachers

So you are done with college and ready to return to school as an elementary teacher. You are teaching during some major transition years. These are the years students are still in baby mode and you have to teach them independence. Do not stress, you will be fine. It has been done before. Every great teacher had a first year! Below you will fine a few tips to help you get through your first year of teaching.

Classroom Management

First, what is classroom management? Classroom management is the management of student conduct. It is the process of ensuring that the classroom and lessons run smoothly despite disruptions that may occur during the day. Classroom management is the key to a successful and effective first year. One mistake a first year teacher can make is not putting enough detail into their classroom management plan. You do not want to forget about all parts of the classroom when creating your classroom procedures and routines. Every teacher knows about the general rules when planning a classroom like “no talking when the teacher is talking” or “keep your hands to yourself.” What about other rules and parts of the day. If you are not careful simple transitions can become a major hassle. When planning and organizing your classroom, ask yourself questions like “How will students sharpen their pencils? How will students be allowed to go to the bathroom? When will students be allowed to go to their storage space?” When you ask for homework, you do not want 15 students running to their book bags. That will get annoying for you really quick.

Take Care of Your Body and Health

Becoming a teacher requires plenty of work on your part. You are setting up your classroom, creating lesson plans, and just busy being busy. You are now so wrapped up in your students and career that you forget the most important piece of the puzzle, you! Did you know that the first two years of teaching will be your sickest years? That is because your body has to adjust and build antibodies against all the viruses and bacteria that students will bring into the classroom. Take a multivitamin to keep you healthy and your body strong. You are no good to the students if you are sick and out of work. Also, budget, budget, budget! Why would budgeting be mentioned in this paragraph? It is a common complaint of teachers to be underpaid. Not handling your finances can cause serious stress in your life which can affect your mental health and eventually your physical health. Take the time to manage your money and avoid the “I am broke blues.” Lastly, remember your life lessons, drink your water, exercise, and get some sleep.

Do Your Job Well

If you are reading this article then you live in the 21st century. Well, so do your students. Although your students are in the beginning of their learning careers, they are still very advanced. Technology is their friend, so technology is your friend. You are competing with computers, cell phones and portable video games; do not be afraid to bring technology into the classroom. There are so many great technology resources available; it would be a shame not to use them.  Take to your school’s resource person or instructional facilitor. Also, use your mentor. Your mentor can be a great support system for you. Mentors are experienced teachers with many classroom strategies and successful lesson plans. Use that experienced resource and the ideas that come with it. Remember, you are a professional now and although you are new to teaching you can still be a valuable asset. Share ideas that have worked for you and ask for suggestions to improve on those that did not. Like I said before, every great teacher had a first year. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Mistakes will happen!  Learn from them and use that learning to your advantage.

For more advice on becoming a First Year Teacher, visit Tips and Advice for First Year Teachers

About the Author

Sheri Harris

The 3 Best Tips for Becoming a Teacher: Tips and Advice for First Year Teachers

Email jandhbusinessg@gmail.com 

The 1st Grade Prodigy!