I’m linking up today with the lovely Miss Kindergarten to tell you what I’ve learned from teaching so far. This year marks my 6th year of teaching and I still get butterflies in my stomach thinking about the 1st day of school!
1) Pencils will disappear like no other. No clue where they go or end up, but just as soon as I sharpen a whole bucket to be used that day…whoosh!! Half of them are gone.
2) Organization is your best friend. The more you plan and stay ahead of the game, the better! Parents and students appreciate an organized environment.
3) Despite what I said above (#3), it can wait! Whatever it is your working on, save it for the next day! Your friends, hubby, significant others will love you for it! I don’t know how many times I’ve sent my hubby to bed without me because I’m still fixing or tweaking that product or lesson. No bueno!
4) Always keep a pair of flats or in my case flip flops in your classroom! You never know when you just need to switch out that gorgeous pair of heels for a comfy pair. My Rainbows have saved my feet a gazillion times.
5) The custodial staff, office staff, and volunteers are just as important as any staff member. Without them, the school would not be running smoothly! You never know when you’re gonna need those extra school supplies or bookshelf for your classroom library. Be nice!!
6) John Wooden was such a wise man! I love all his inspirational quotes and pyramid of success, but this one always sticks with me: “Be more concerned with what you can do for others than what others can do for you. You’ll be surprised at the results.”
7) The kids will ALWAYS know when you rushed to get ready in the morning. It never fails. Seriously. They’ll lovingly point out why your face looks like that or how your hair looks like you got shocked. Thanks, sweetie!!
8) You will become a MASTER at scarfing eating your lunch in less than 15 minutes.
9) You will also become a MASTER at timing your restroom breaks to 3 times (4 times if you’re lucky and have an afternoon recess) a day. Recess, lunch, after school.
10) Keep a “Feel Good” file. It’s so easy to dwell on all the negative or harsh things people say to you throughout the day. Whether it’s an administrator giving you “feedback” or a parent complaining about their kids’ grades. It’s super important to remind yourself of all the GOOD that education can bring! I’ve started to collect all the cute little notes, cards, doodles (those are the BEST!) and pictures my students, colleagues, and students’ families give me and keep them in a file. It helps put it all in perspective and reminds me why I am a teacher!
Link up with Miss Kindergarten and share your 10 things!! :)
I like that you brought John Wooden into your top 10! Very good idea….and an awesome quote! As for lunch, yes, scarf… or I sometimes just wait until after school.
Hope you are well! I was hoping to have seen you by now… time flies in summer :(
Christy
Crayons and Whimsy
Thank you, Aris! I love the idea of keeping a feel-good book. It would be such a sweet reminder on those hard days. And you are totally right about the support staff. I have only been at my school for a month and Mr. P (the custodian) has helped me out more than any other person. I love him! :)
Catherine
The Brown-Bag Teacher
My principal calls those ‘feel good books’ Smile Files. Print off those nice and thoughtful emails and keep them in a file for those tough days!
-Kelly
Sliding Into Second Grade
#8 and #9 are soooo true!! I didn’t even think to include those in mine! :)
Jivey
ideas by jivey
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I love that I’m not the only one who has a stash of flip flops in my room! My 5th graders would often question why I would wear heals to work if I was just going to put on my flip flops. I told them for the love of fashion…the girls of course totally understood!
~Chelsea
Fifth Grade Wit and
Whimsy
The bathroom breaks and lunch are spot on! Thanks so much for sharing…I love reading your blog! :)
-Kelly
Sliding Into Second Grade