Tips for New Teachers - How to Have a Successful First Year Teaching

 

AND HOW TO AVOID THEM!

Today, I'm sharing a round-up of common mistakes that new, new-ish, and let's face it, even veteran teachers make while teaching. They're considered common for a reason. I guarantee the colleagues you currently admire were making some of the very same mistakes when they started their career. The thing about mistakes is that they are really just learning opportunities. So, take a look at the mistakes, check out the tips to improve, and see how you can turn the mistake into a success. 

Weak or Lacking Classroom Management Skills:

Mistake: New teachers often struggle with establishing and maintaining effective classroom management, leading to disruptions and a loss of instructional time.

Tips to Improve: 

>>> Prioritize learning and implementing classroom management strategies early on. (Here are tons of ideas.)

>>> Attend professional development workshops or seek guidance from experienced educators. 

>>> Check out videos and classroom management guides from seasoned teachers.

Keys to Success: At the beginning of the school year, develop a well-structured classroom routine, set clear expectations, establish consistent consequences, and build positive relationships with students. By doing so, you create an environment conducive to learning and minimize disruptions. Find everything you need for effective classroom management right here.

Poor Time Management and Overwhelming Workload: 

Mistake: New teachers may underestimate the amount of time and effort required to effectively plan lessons, assess student work, and provide timely feedback. 

Tips to Improve: 

>>> Prioritize tasks - take care of the most pressing tasks first

>>> Break tasks down into manageable chunks

>>> Create a realistic schedule

>>> Learn to delegate or seek assistance when necessary 

Keys to Success: Develop efficient lesson planning strategies (grab free lesson templates here), utilize technology tools for grading and feedback, and establish routines for managing paperwork. By managing time effectively, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance and provide quality instruction. A HUGE help is to seek assistance to help you save time and energy lesson planning. Check out my favorite units that are ready to print and teach here.

Insufficient Differentiation of Instruction: 

Mistake: New teachers may struggle to meet the diverse needs of their students, resulting in a "one-size-fits-all" approach that leaves some students disengaged or struggling. 

Tips to Improve: 

>>> Familiarize yourself with various differentiation strategies, such as flexible grouping, tiered assignments, and scaffolding techniques. 

>>> Seek professional development opportunities to enhance your differentiation skills. 

>>> Plan lessons like these with built-in differentiation.

Keys to Success: Use pre-assessments to identify students' prior knowledge and tailor instruction accordingly. Offer a variety of learning opportunities and resources to meet individual needs. Embrace a growth mindset, continually seeking ways to adapt and improve your instruction.

Inadequate Communication with Parents: 

Mistake: New teachers may overlook the importance of regular and effective communication with parents, leading to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for collaboration. 

Tips to Improve: 

>>> Establish open lines of communication from the beginning of the school year. (This video has some ideas.)

>>> Utilize various communication channels such as emails, newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and online platforms. (Check out how to incorporate positive phone calls into your routine.)

>>> Plan an Open House presentation that notes how you will be communicating with parents. (Here's a completed presentation that you can customize.)

Keys to Success: Regularly update parents on their child's progress, behavior, and upcoming events. Seek parental input and involvement, as they can provide valuable insights into their child's learning style and needs. Building strong partnerships with parents creates a supportive network for student success. Find everything you need to positively connect with parents here.

Neglecting Self-Care and Professional Growth: 

Mistake: New teachers often put their own well-being and professional development on the back burner, leading to burnout and stagnation. 

Tips to Improve: 

>>> Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, relaxation, and hobbies. 

>>> Seek opportunities for professional growth, such as attending conferences, and joining professional organizations.

>>> Engage in reflective and mindful practices. (Here's a set of FREE positive affirmations for teachers.)

Success: Taking care of yourself allows you to bring your best self into the classroom. Continuously seek opportunities to improve your teaching practices through self-reflection, peer observations, and seeking feedback. Embrace a growth mindset and remain open to learning from your experiences. (Teach your students about growth mindset with this Doodle and Do lesson.)

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Turning these mistakes into successes requires self-reflection, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt and grow as an educator. Remember that mistakes are learning opportunities, and by addressing them proactively, you can develop into a successful and impactful teacher.

If you're a new or new-ish teacher reading this blog, let me end by thanking and congratulating you. Thank you for taking on this noble profession. Being an educator is so important.  And...congrats on entering a career that provides challenges like no other. You'll be faced with some difficult days as an educator, but don't worry...there are just as many wonderful moments ahead. 

If I can support you in any way, feel free to reach out to me at marybeth@brainwavesinstruction.com.

*************GREAT NEWS**************

If you're looking for more ways to have a successful school year, be sure to grab the FREE EVERYTHING GUIDE for TEACHERS! It includes over 100 pages of freebies!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S. I'm sharing more insight into how my teaching evolved in this popular blog post.

4 Sentences Every Middle School Teacher Should Say to the Their Students

Teaching middle school isn't for the faint of heart. Middle school teachers are tasked with providing top-notch instruction to a class full of students facing some of the biggest social, emotional, and physical changes of their lives. Adolescents have unique needs as students. That's why teachers are so critical in their development. 

If you've every found yourself in front of one or thirty teens, and you've wondered what to say to make them feel important, heard, and understood, then check out these research-based sentences that every middle schooler needs to hear.

Adolescents often face self-doubt and uncertainty about their abilities. Self-esteem tends to fluctuate during adolescence. Early adolescence (ages 10-14) often shows a decline in self-esteem as individuals navigate physical and psychological changes, social comparisons, and increased self-consciousness. Hearing this sentence reassures them that they have the potential to succeed, boosting their confidence and motivating them to strive for excellence.

Ways to build self-esteem in the classroom:

>>> Provide specific praise for students that focuses on their actions, behaviors, and qualities rather than generic compliments.

>>> Create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that celebrates kindness, respect, and empathy. Intentionally plan lessons that target kindness. (Sign up here for 5 free kindness lessons.)

>>> Engage parents, guardians, and the community in supporting students' self-esteem. Communicate their accomplishments, involve them in celebrations, and seek their input. (Check out this post about positive parent phone calls.)

Middle school students often experience heightened levels of stress and pressure. The rapid physical and hormonal changes that occur during adolescence can affect brain development and emotional regulation. Adolescents may be more susceptible to mood swings, emotional intensity, and difficulties in managing stress. It becomes crucial for them to learn effective coping mechanisms and self-care practices. This sentence acknowledges the importance of their mental and emotional health, encouraging them to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Here are some easy ways to incorporate self-care for students:

>>> Create a Calm Corner: Designate a quiet area in the classroom where students can go to take a break, relax, or practice mindfulness. Fill it with calming posters, soft cushions, stress balls, coloring materials, or calming sensory items to provide a peaceful space for self-reflection and relaxation. (Grab free calming posters here.)

>>> Promote Regular Movement Breaks: Encourage short movement breaks throughout the day to combat sedentary behavior and increase blood flow. These breaks can involve stretching, yoga poses, dance parties, or even a quick walk around the classroom. Physical activity helps release tension and boosts mood.(Check out more ways to move in the classroom here.)

>>> Incorporate Mindfulness Activities: Integrate mindfulness practices into your lessons or daily routines. Start or end the day with a brief mindfulness exercise, such as a guided visualization or a mindful quote. These moments of mindfulness help students focus, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. (Grab FREE mindfulness resources here.)

Adolescents are forming their identity and seeking validation. Adolescence is a period marked by significant cognitive development, including the ability to think abstractly, consider multiple perspectives, and form independent judgments. As adolescents gain these cognitive abilities, they have an increased desire to express their thoughts and opinions. This sentence validates their perspectives, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. It encourages them to express their ideas, engage in critical thinking, and contribute to meaningful discussions, promoting intellectual growth and self-expression.

Provide opportunities for students to share their thoughts and opinions...

>>> Open Discussions: Create a classroom culture that encourages open discussions and respectful exchanges of ideas. Establish a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts without fear of judgment or criticism.

>>> Collaborative Group Projects: Assign group projects that require students to work together and share their thoughts and ideas. This promotes teamwork and allows students to contribute their unique perspectives to achieve a common goal. (This works especially well with literature circles.)

>>> Exit Tickets: Use exit tickets as a quick way for students to share their thoughts or opinions at the end of a lesson. Pose questions or prompts related to the day's content and ask students to write brief responses. This provides insight into their understanding and allows them to express their opinions. (Grab 20 exit slips here.)

Middle school students may fear failure and feel overwhelmed by the consequences of making mistakes. This sentence helps reframe their mindset, assuring them that errors are part of the learning process. It promotes resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, ultimately facilitating personal and academic growth.

Help students develop a positive mindset with these activities:

>>> Emphasize the Power of "Yet": Teach students to use the word "yet" to reframe statements of limitation. For example, "I don't understand this concept" becomes "I don't understand this concept yet." This simple shift encourages a belief in the potential for growth and improvement.

>>> Promote Growth Mindset: Teach students about the concept of growth mindset, emphasizing that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Encourage them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and emphasize the importance of perseverance. (Here's a doodle growth mindset resource.)

>>> Set Realistic Goals: Guide students in setting realistic and achievable goals. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This helps them develop a sense of progress and accomplishment, leading to a positive mindset.

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By saying these four sentences to students, teachers can effectively support the needs of adolescent students and contribute to their success both academically and personally. Building positive relationships, promoting a growth mindset, fostering autonomy and responsibility, and nurturing a supportive classroom climate are crucial components in empowering adolescents to thrive in their educational journey. By embodying these principles, educators become catalysts for their students' growth and provide them with the tools they need to reach their full potential. 

I'm so glad you stopped by!

Mary Beth

P.S. If you're looking for more insight into the adolescent mind, check out this blog post.

Free Back to School Essentials for Teachers: Get to Know You Activity, Class Syllabus, Homework Helpers and More!

Let's get right to the good news: everything I'm sharing in this post is included in this FREE pack of back to school essentials for teachers. That's right! I've put together a set of free resources to help make your back to school planning a little easier. You can grab the collection of free school start materials right here.

If you're curious about what is included in the beginning of the school year pack, see what's inside below.

First of all, there's a get to know you activity that you can share with students on the first day of school. I'm a big fan of placing an activity on students' desks to complete independently when they arrive to your classroom on the first day. Having something to busy themselves with is a great way to reduce students' back-to-school jitters. The activity included in the freebie is an infographic. There are three versions included. Students can share all about themselves in a clever way. Then, fast finishers can color in their worksheet. Add this activity to the infographic for a perfect first day!

 As school starts, you'll likely want to give students some insight into your classroom. I like to do this with a syllabus. However, a syllabus is generally a very boring document. Not anymore! You'll find a doodle-themed free syllabus in the download. I've included a sample syllabus to provide suggestions about what to include in a class syllabus. Then, you can use the editable syllabus to add all kinds of information unique to your classroom. Providing a syllabus in such an engaging format is a great way to demonstrate how creative your class will be all year long. (Add even more doodles to your instruction with these Doodle and Do resources.)

If you plan to assign homework in the upcoming school year, you'll love the homework helpers included in the free back to school pack. There are three different resources targeted to motivating students to complete work and tracking students' work.  Download the free back to school guide for a missing homework record, homework excuse note, and homework passes that you can give to students. If you're looking for more homework ideas, don't forget to grab these creative Homework Twist cards that you can add to any assignment!

What's back to school prep without some serious classroom set-up? Sometimes it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get our classrooms decorated. That's where this freebie comes in. In the free back to school guide, you'll find a round-up of clever (and often free) décor ideas to help your classroom look styled for the new school year. Get your decorating started with these ready-to-print décor packs.

Just when your new school year gets started, it feels like it's time to plan for Open House or Curriculum Night. It can be such a challenge to figure out how to plan the ideal Open House. That's why I've included an Open House Checklist filled with ideas for what to do before, during, and after Open House to connect with parents. You'll also be able to print an easy sign-in sheet to track parents' attendance. Find all kinds of resources for parents and Open House here.

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I'm so excited to share this free Back to School Essentials pack with you. I hope you find some tools to add to your teacher toolbox! 

*************GREAT NEWS**************

If you're looking for more ways to prepare for a new school year, be sure to grab the FREE EVERYTHING GUIDE for TEACHERS! It includes over 100 pages of freebies!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S. Check out this "recipe" for a great first day of school!

Promoting Social-Emotional Learning in Upper Elementary and Middle School Classrooms: Building Strong Classroom Communities

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial component of education that goes beyond academic achievement. It equips students with the necessary skills to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. 

Social-Emotional Learning refers to the process of acquiring and applying knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to recognizing and managing emotions, developing empathy, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and engaging in effective communication. SEL cultivates a safe and nurturing environment that enhances students' overall well-being, academic success, and long-term success in life.

In upper elementary and middle school classrooms, SEL activities play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom community. Let's explore the significance of SEL and discover engaging activities that can promote social-emotional growth in students.

OPEN DIALOGUE

Create a classroom community where students have plenty of opportunities to reflect and share. Build an environment that encourages an open dialogue with these activities...

>>> Morning Meetings: Start the day with a structured time for students to connect, share, and build relationships.

>>> Class Agreements: Collaboratively establish rules and expectations that promote respect, empathy, and inclusivity.

>>> Feelings Check-In: Begin each class with a check-in where students identify and discuss their emotions, fostering self-awareness and empathy. Grab the "Where's Your Head At?" activity here.

>>> Circle Time: Create a space for open dialogue, encouraging students to express their thoughts, concerns, and experiences.

COLLABORATION

Help students develop their SEL skills by working with their peers. Provide students with opportunities to collaborate with...

>>> Collaborative Projects: Assign group projects that require teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation.

>>> Role-Playing Scenarios: Engage students in role-playing activities that explore conflict resolution, empathy, and effective communication. You can also have students work together as they write and preform emotions skits.

>>> Peer Buddy System: Pair older students with younger ones to promote mentorship, empathy, and mutual support.

>>> Appreciation Board: Establish a visual display where students can express gratitude and appreciation for one another's efforts and achievements. Students can also go on a commonality hunt in the classroom with this fun activity.

REFLECTIONS

Part of Social Emotional Learning is taking time to be reflective. Plan activities where students can reflect on their own feelings, challenges, and experiences with activities like...

>>> Reflection Journals: Provide students with dedicated time to reflect on their experiences, emotions, and personal growth. Find 10 targeted writing prompts here.

>>> Art Therapy: Incorporate art activities that encourage self-expression, creativity, and emotional exploration.

>>> Mindfulness Exercises: Introduce mindfulness practices like breathing exercises, meditation, or guided imagery to promote self-regulation and stress reduction. Download these FREE mindfulness quotes and finger labyrinths to try in the classroom.

ACTS OF SERVICE

Nurture emotional intelligence, empathy, and responsible decision-making among students with acts of service such as...

>>> Community Service Projects: Engage students in activities that allow them to give back to their community, fostering empathy and a sense of social responsibility. Guide students through an acts of kindness challenge with this activity.

>>> Thank You Note Writing: Help students spread a little kindness with a thank you note writing lesson. Here's a resource to help students get writing.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Intentionally teach students about the components of Social Emotional Learning. Guide students as they develop their SEL traits with learning activities like...

>>> Literature Exploration: Use books and stories to spark discussions about empathy, compassion, and understanding diverse perspectives.

>>> Reading Passages: Use reading passages to help students learn about social emotional learning. These 10 passages and writing prompts are ideal for promoting social emotional learning.

>>> SEL Games and Role-Playing: Engage students in interactive games and role-playing scenarios that focus on emotional intelligence, perspective-taking, and problem-solving. Incorporate creative activities like these positive pennant flags to teach about SEL.

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As educators, we know that when students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to thrive academically and personally, setting the stage for long-term success in their lives. Let's continue to prioritize SEL and create environments where students can grow into well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.

*************GREAT NEWS**************

If you're looking for more ways to create a positive classroom, be sure to grab the FREE EVERYTHING GUIDE for TEACHERS!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S. Check out more activities to build self-awareness in this popular blog post.

Long-Range Curriculum Planning for Middle School ELA: A Comprehensive Guide for Teachers

Starting a new school year signals the beginning of a great deal of curriculum planning. Determining what to teach in what order can be overwhelming especially since effective long-range planning is the cornerstone of a successful middle school English Language Arts (ELA) classroom. It allows teachers to set clear goals, create engaging lessons, and ensure a coherent and well-structured curriculum throughout the year. In this blog post, I'm sharing a step-by-step guide on how to complete long-range planning for your middle school ELA curriculum. 

Here's the best news, though! ⤋  ⤋  ⤋

I've put together these tips and the tools for long-range planning in the free Back to School Guide for Teachers. Get the 100+ resource filled with exclusive freebies sent to your inbox here.

Start by thoroughly reviewing the ELA curriculum standards and objectives for your grade level. Understand the scope and sequence of the content that needs to be covered throughout the year. Identify the key skills, themes, and concepts that students should master by the end of the academic year.

TIP: Use backward design: Begin your planning process by considering the desired end result—what do you want your students to achieve by the end of the year? Work backward from there to determine the steps and skills necessary to reach those goals.

Develop an annual overview that outlines the major units or topics you will cover throughout the school year. Break down the curriculum into manageable chunks, keeping in mind the length of each unit and the pacing required. Consider any specific events, holidays, or standardized tests that might impact your planning.

TIP: Capitalize on students' natural excitement for holidays and special events and incorporate critical ELA skills into seasonal units. For instance, have students write poems for Veterans Day or complete mini-research projects as they learn about Christmas around the world. Find all my favorite content-rich holiday resources here.

For each unit, establish clear goals and learning outcomes that align with the curriculum standards. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By setting clear objectives, you'll be better able to monitor student progress and ensure that your instruction remains focused.

TIP: As you're designing units, incorporate authentic texts: Integrate a wide range of authentic texts, such as novels, articles, poems, and multimedia resources, to engage students and expose them to diverse perspectives and literary forms. I'm a big fan of authentic texts, find ready-made literature units here.

Devise assessments that align with your unit goals and learning outcomes. These can include both formative assessments (such as quizzes, discussions, or self-reflections) and summative assessments (such as projects, essays, or exams). By aligning assessments with the curriculum, you can evaluate student understanding and adjust your teaching strategies accordingly.

TIP: It's a great idea to teach students how to actually prepare for assessments. Consider incorporating units that teach students how to study along with units to help students as they prepare for standardized assessments.

Break down each unit into smaller, more detailed plans. Outline the specific lessons, activities, and resources you will use to address the learning objectives. Incorporate a variety of instructional strategies to cater to diverse learning styles and keep students engaged. Consider incorporating technology, guest speakers, field trips, or hands-on projects to enhance learning experiences.

TIP: Foster student choice: Provide opportunities for student choice and voice in selecting texts, topics, or projects. This promotes student engagement and allows them to explore their interests while still addressing curriculum goals. Find free choice boards here.

Create a flexible timeline for each unit, allowing room for adjustments and additional activities as needed. Consider factors such as school events, holidays, and breaks when determining the pace of instruction. A flexible timeline ensures that you can adapt your plans to accommodate unforeseen circumstances without sacrificing the overall curriculum.

TIP: Collaborate with colleagues: Share ideas and collaborate with other ELA teachers in your school or district. Collaborative planning allows for the sharing of resources, brainstorming creative approaches, and ensuring consistency across classrooms.

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Long-range planning is a vital process that empowers middle school ELA teachers to create a cohesive and engaging curriculum. By following the steps outlined in this post, I hope you can develop a comprehensive long-range plan that aligns with curriculum standards and promotes student achievement. If you're in search of a ready-made curriculum for the entire year, save tons of time and money with this ELA curriculum bundle.

Also, don't forget to grab the EVERYTHING Back to School Guide for teachers with even more tips and tools for lesson planning.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S. I love creating units and lessons for teachers like you, be sure to grab a bunch of FREE lessons here.