1. Get out there! Ask questions! Meet EVERYONE! I may be what some people refer to as a "social butterfly". I love making friends.. I love talking to strangers and boy oh boy do I LOVE meeting new people. I had the best experience my first year (and student teaching year) because I got involved in my school and with the staff.
The worst thing you can do is sit in your room and worry about what you're doing because you're too afraid to ask. Hopefully, you will have people checking on you ... but just in case you don't, my advice is start ASKING!
2. Journal everything. Write down the funny memories (they are great for those bad days) and most importantly, write down those troubling moments. It will make you a more thoughtful teacher. After all, we're here for the kids, right? :)
3. Lastly, it's going to get messy! Whether your room is a mess or your brain is... it isn't always pretty or "right" but man! Everyday is so much fun and a new adventure.
I found your blog through Teacher Week & love it! I love the part in your advice about journaling. When I was student teaching, I received a journal from my supervising teacher and my biggest regret is that I never found the time to use it. The stories are the best and I wish I could just sit and read through them sometimes. Another fifth grader teacher here! There seems to be so few of them out there. Glad I found you!
ReplyDeleteps. your blog seems a lot like my life! I have another blog that is very similar to yours. www.lifelovedinner.blogspot.com Although, I'm so caught up in back to school hoopla that I've kind of abandoned it!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I am so excited to find a 5th grade teacher. That is the grade I am hoping to teach. I had to laugh at the "enjoy the mess" ... I am a clean freak. The mess is gonna drive me crazy but I will love every minute of it.
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