Friday, July 6, 2012

A Teacher's Wisdom LINKY

I'm linking up with Deb from Fabulously First
Fabulously First




I want to start this post off by saying I'm going into my second year of teaching (and am no where close  to having it all together). I remember people telling me my first year would be the hardest. I would respond politely and think in my head. . . I just spent four years preparing for this I know it won't be a walk in the park but the hardest? PLEASE listen to them . Your first year will be the hardest. In my personal opinion if you get through your first year and still LOVE what you do you are CERTAINLY in the right profession. Let me also say I LOVE what I do. 

I started off the year with a mentor teacher. Now I am spoiled because my mentor teacher has taught second grade for 30 years. I learn so much from her and would still be lost without her. I also love that we get all so good. Having her was HUGE. I mean I would go into her classroom just about everyday. (It's right across the hall.). She was/is so patient with me and all the questions I have. If you can, find an older, experienced, mentor teacher who is willing to share their knowledge with you. It is very helpful if they teach the same grade as you, even the same curriculum. Those first couple months I basically did whatever she did. It let me explore my teaching style and classroom management with the assurance that I was covering the standards. A note of encouragement the actually teaching part tends to be the easiest. The parents, paperwork, and miscellaneous stuff is the hardest. 

The next biggest thing that helped me my first year was getting my act together and seriously organizing my classroom. It's still a work in progress and it will always be. That said, organize your room and LABEL everything. If you need a sub (and you will) everything is labeled and easy to find. Your students (remember it's their room to) will be able to find things easily. You will be able to find things easily. Finding things easily means you aren't wasting time finding things you placed in a pile on that table yesterday but can't seem to find anymore. See what I've done in my room HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE!

One more thing I just can't help but saying. Take the time in the first couple weeks to REALLY establish classroom rules, routines, and procedures. It is WORTH it. 

All that in mind remember to LOVE what you do. Get to know your students and let them know you love them to. Here is another hint, when parents see you love their children they will love you! It works like a charm. When I allowed the parents to see me love and care for their child (and not be concerned about them judging me or thinking I'm childish) the response was amazing. 

Now I need to go and read everyone's wisdom. I still need it ALL!

I have some freebies up my sleeve and I need to accept all the amazing awards I've been receiving. This week I was at my home in the Keys with my family. Next week I'm on my way to Debbie Diller's Summer Institute and am SUPER DUPER EXCITED! 


14 comments:

Lisa R. said...

I was just saying to someone else how thankful I was for my mentor teacher. She reassured me & supported me when I was a nervous wreck as a first year teacher. I completely agree about taking the time to establish the rules also. It is definitely worth the time you put into it.
Have fun at Debbie Diller's summer institute! I'm excited to hear all about it!
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure

Anonymous said...

Great advice! I totally agree with what you said about loving the students. If parents know that you care about their children, they will be so supportive and caring back.

Delighted in Second

Unknown said...

Going to a Debbie Diller Institute is soooo cool! I'm jealous.
Great words of advice! Great new teachers who want to stay in the profession are hard to come by these days.
~Andi

Jenna said...

Great stuff! I will be a first year teacher!

Jenna
Just diving In

Jessica said...

I nominated you for two awards. Stop by my blog to pick them up!
http://wildandfuninprek.blogspot.com/
Jessica

Unknown said...

Love it! Passing on a Versatile Blogger Award! Stop by my blog and check it out!

Wib On!

Marissa Tompkins said...

I've nominated you for a blog award! Stop by my blog and get it. :)

Marissa
WILD About First Grade!

Unknown said...

This will be my first year teaching and all your advice has helped me get an idea what to start working on thru the summer!!! Thank You so much you have inspired me to also start my blog because it seems this is the best way to get great ideas since i have'nt met any of the other grade level teachers. Thank you again!
Can you share where did you get all the great labels?

Anna said...

I will be doing my Sr. II this August. I hope to have my own classroom by December. I so loved your advice. I also would like to know where you got the great labels. I am an organizational freak and it looks fun while having the job done!

Jess Smith said...

I'm going into my 4th year now, but when I think back to my 1st year, I shutter! I really was flying by the seat of my pants & constantly just trying to keep my head above water! I took lots of baths & drank lots of wine! :)

Jess
chalkdustandcheerios.wordpress.com

Unknown said...

Thank you ladies for all the comments! I LOVE reading every single one. Several of you have asked where I got all my labels to keep me organized :)
I made all of them. Some are already on my TPT store and I'm in the process of putting the rest up on TPT.

Brittany
Sweet Seconds

The Writing Mama said...

Oh my goodness. I am so thankful to have read your post! I will be a first year 2nd grade teacher this coming school year. I am beyond excited to begin my journey.. and really excited to get into my new room! My living room looks like a children's library/craft studio/storage unit right now due to all my classroom stuff! I do not know who my mentor is yet, but the teacher that I student taught with (also in 2nd grade) retired after 34 years in 2nd and has been the best inspiration for me. She is a wonderful person for me to turn to for help or advice.. as she is the epitome of expert when it comes to 2nd grade. Even if my assigned mentor is not in 2nd, I know that I will always have my student teaching teacher to help me out!

Thanks for the thoughtful advice!

Ashley
That's So Second Grade

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