Being a new teacher does not have to mean a timid person standing confused and all alone in a room of crazy, misbehaving children. I am not going to lie to you....teaching is definitely one of those professions where there is no replacement for experience. However, I don't believe that means you have to feel lost while you are filling the space between new and experienced. In my mind, there are a few things that one should do or really keep in mind and think about as they begin to teach that will help them to be a successful and inspirational new teacher.
1.) Remember why you wanted to become a teacher. Write the reason or reasons down and place them in your desk drawer or even taped to the top of your desk for that matter. This will help to keep you grounded and remind you why you owe it to yourself to keep plugging along on the bad days. Most important, it will help you to be a good teacher even on the bad days.
2.) Read to your class. Seriously, read, read and read some more. If you are feeling lost or having a day where it seems like not one student is learning anything, then stop, take a break, and read. Read when you are happy too. Just read. A lot. Give your students the gift of a teacher who models a true love for reading.
3.) Start the day with yoga. Yes, with your class. Ok, go ahead and chuckle, but don't knock it 'til you try it. And, yes, I did get my prekindergarten class of 14 to quietly and calmly do yoga for a few minutes each morning...and they LOVED it. I even put on calming music and turned the lights off. It seemed to help my students get calmed down and ready for learning after the hustle and bustle of getting ready and getting to school in the morning. If we skipped yoga, you could tell in a bad way, and the funny part is if I forgot about it, my young students reminded me. They LOVED it. Even my zombie and truck-obsessed, energy-filled pre-k boys loved it. Parents noticed a difference and asked me about it too.
4.) Teach your students kindness. Don't assume they have already been shown all types of kindness. From the frog hopping around out on the playground to their classmates to their teachers and parents, demonstrate how to be kind on a daily basis.
5.) Teach your students that it is ok to make mistakes while you are learning. Demonstrate this for them as well. When you are reading and make a mistake, stay confident and joyfully correct yourself.
6.) Follow the Common Core Standards. This is what will make sure that you are getting done what needs to be done.
7.) Have fun!
8.) Care. A lot.
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