First Year Teacher | setting expectations, overworking, & back to school night
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- In today's vlog, I take you through my thoughts as a first year first grade teacher. It is such an overwhelming experience to run your own classroom, keep up with other responsibilities, and stay late planning for the next day. This was only the first full week of school!
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Hey, I’m a second year, third grade teacher and the first year of teaching is definitely an uphill battle. You’re doing an awesome job! One suggestion is that when they come in from recess, have a five minute down time to reset. Set a timer for 5 minutes with relaxing music in the background and they can put their heads down or just sit and breathe for a few minutes to regulate themselves and prepare to return to learning. You can even use this time for them to listen to a read aloud or you can read a story to them. I hope this helps 🫶!
@adrienneallen6130 This is a really good idea! 💖
Yes!!! Also I’d have Cosmic Kids Yoga on the screen. I’d choose a 5ish min video and use this time for restroom/water. My restrooms were in my room so that was a plus.
I had to pause the video when you started crying. I have been a classroom teacher for six years paused for two and I am returning now as a sub. One thing I would mention if you have any control over your schedule is to do all core subjects before lunch if you need to split math (mini lesson, new lesson seat work -exit ticket before lunch, and small group-after lunch). My small groups consisted of technology-school math program, seat work, partner work (math games from curriculum). Writing is always one of those pulling teeth things but mini lesson, send them off to write (put on quiet music). I agree students will act differently when others come in the room. I would call them out on it not specifically by name but be honest about what you saw and what you expect next time also give compliments to those who were behaving/showing how much they know. I would always use the phrase" show people how smart you really are because you are sooooo smart." You got this!
@PreciousBB18 So true! Good advice ☝☝☝
@@teacherof20 Thank you.
I’m a first year teacher in kinder. It’s hard, the first week is hard. Be strict, keep your expectations high, and don’t let them get away with not paying attention. They will continue to do that if you let them do that now. However, they are little & they are getting back into the swing of things.
You've got this! First graders are tough. It is a transition for the kids. Try getting them up and moving because their attention span isn't like a 4th graders (trust me I know). Teach the kids to subitize for math. Try call backs like Mrs. Call. December will be here before you know it!
I’m a former teacher and I just want to say that you are doing an amazing job by showing up. Give yourself a lot of grace. I used the buddy system in my class to help my dual language learners. Not only does it help them but it also really teaches children to build relationships within their peers, collaboration and so much more. Sending you hug
You’re doing a fantastic job! Just the fact that you’re reflecting on how to help your kids’ engagement and in other areas show that you care. It does get easier and sometimes we have hard days but they pass. The year is going to go by so fast. Don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t get discouraged when another teacher tells you it’s not a good idea. Just do it; it’s your classroom. You know your kids and what will help them ❤ I wish you a fabulous year.
I am one of the few teachers who has taught Elementary, Middle, and High School. I believe that Elementary is the most difficult. Why? You're not teaching one subject. You're teaching multiple subjects (English, math, science, art?, music?) and basic "how to conduct yourself as a human being." While High School is more organized around Lessons and Units, Elementary School is structured around "Routines." . . . My advice for a first year teacher would be to ask yourself this question: "What routines have I created?" Routines are things that students have ownership over (even if you're not there - they can do them when a Sub is there) . . . If any elementary teachers read this, I would like to hear your recommendations for essential routines.
everything is a routine. the entire day is a routine. especially for the littles. I would say the most important are entering and exiting the classroom, and calming down when the class gets amped up and excited. It's ok to be silly and excited sometimes, but you have to know how to bring it down. This is something I learned pretty quickly. And it's important because if you get anxious sometimes about the class randomly getting amped up, you have a routine for calming everyone down.
I agree that universities do not prepare you for teaching. First grade is a difficult grade along with Kindergarten. Kindergarten is all about teaching them every single thing while First grade is teaching them how to be more independent and tons of testing. The tons of testing is ridiculous. You do in fact get better at teaching after your first year. I'm on my third year in First grade, and I feel confident in some subjects while focusing on how to improve in other subjects. Also, the fact you reflect already makes you amazing.
Advice:
if you have a good grade level team, ask questions for anything. I asked a ton of questions my first year, such as how to respond to a difficult parent, how to teach something, behavior plan, etc. I also mimicked many things other teachers did. However, I then found my own style after my first year.
Never take work home and if you do, keep it on the minimal level and your last priority. For example, I will take some papers home to grade, but I won't make it my priority. If I don't have anything exciting to do during the weekend, sometimes I get bored and need something to do so grading can keep my mind occupied. However, I will never make it my priority. I've had many weekends where I've taken papers home but never grade it and just bring them back to school and grade it there. This is just to avoid burnout.
All teachers usually come across the same hurdles. Some days are good and some days are tough. All teachers, including veterans have them. For example, my first year I felt like the challenges I faced as a teacher was only happening to me, but that is not true, it happens to all teachers. By this I would mean when the kids are a bit too chatty, rowdy, and many other common things where you think it is only happening to you. And because you think it's only happening to you, you start to feel incompetent. But you are competent. You just have to remind yourself that not everyday is perfect and that all teachers go through similar things. Most of the time it has nothing to do with classroom management. Sometimes it's just because they are kids, maybe some of them are going through a difficult situation at home, the list is endless.
Keep a positive outlook and of course model everything. Sure school curriculums can be boring, but there are ways to make it fun. You can gather ideas from other teachers. Also, if you show that you're enjoying it, the kids will enjoy it. If you show that it's boring, the kids will have that perception.
One thing I learned from my 2nd grade teacher is kindness and love. Show that you genuinely care about your students. Even if you make a difference for one kid, it still makes you an amazing teacher. This will also help with a lot of classroom management problems. Overall, most kids will never remember what they learned in school, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
Well Julie,
As hard and defeating as those moments that you don't win them all are there are just still certain things that you must experience as a teacher to learn and your endurance and empathy with those students will help you out in the end.
By the way, I'd like to see how you utilize the whole clip chart thing.
You look pretty in your outfits.
- Dwight
Aww it will get better . ❤
Give yourself some grace. You are doing well girly. I would definitely delegate some tasks to the kiddos such as sharpening pencils lol to best behaved for the week. They get toy be your special helper with like little tasks.
It takes time to know when kids start to reach their saturation levels with certain concepts, but you are doing a good job at being aware of their work habits. Give kids tons of praise when they do not act up when a new person enters the room. You could also spend five minutes a day in the morning to let them know what went well with them the day before and what they have to work on regarding behavior or academics. Remember that first graders are dignified kindergarteners at the beginning of the year, and they require a lot of reinforcement and consistency because they tend to forget things after a day or even weekends. An expert was once a novice, and it is frustrating how people expect first year teachers to be in top form all of the time. You have a lot of teachers out there who are here to support you and encourage you whenever things do not go well. Give yourself grace and continue to learn and grow. I am sending you a hug. Take care.
I don't think the school day should be so long for elementary. Many adults have trouble concentrating 7-9 hours, we cant expect a 6 year old to stay focused and engaged either.
Hang in there. It will get easier as you build routines with your students.
First year is the hardest.
First grade is just that hard. They're so little and it's a foundational year. It's the year they really learn how to read.
I wouldn't worry too much about their spelling, unless you're doing a specific spelling lesson/ test. It's ok for them to misspell words, the goal is for them to write during writing time. just my opinion.
Also, look through kindergarten standards to get a better idea of where they are coming from. This is something that will come with time tho...eventually you will have an idea what to expect from a first grader when they first come into the school. for example, a first grader probably (maybe) won't be able to count by 5s at the beginning of the year.
I also would recommend this book called Yardsticks. It talks about where kids are developmentally each year until 14. It really put things into perspective for me. There are behaviors that 6/7 year olds are going to exhibit, no matter where they are. Like I teach 2nd...the silliness is going to happen no matter what. They are only 7 years old. But the goal is for me to offset the silliness, but sometimes allow it because again it's second grade and they are only 7
If you see them fading you need to do a brain break with a jump jam on RUclips the kids love it
Give yourself some grace. First grade at the beginning needs lots of reminders and modeling. It seems they forget everything over the summer. I'm not sure where you're located, but clip charts are frowned upon in NYC schools. Having a more team centered management helps them settle each other down.
I just want to offer encouragement! I am in my 9th year of teaching, but it's my first year in FIRST grade. It's been WILD. It is truly so difficult! I'm hoping you continue to bring us along on your journey, with all the ups and downs.
Thanks for being so open about. your journey as a new teacher. It's very difficult and the struggle is real. You're doing great by trying to understand your students' needs. Keep drawing upon the experienced teachers' knowledge as they will help you to be successful.
Julie,
I complained too, back when I was a young autistic school student.
The difference is that I got scolded and yelled at and more locked down, penalized, etc.
You however, do a rest and reset technique with your students which would have worked better with me.
Way to go pretty teacher.
- Dwight
Hey, please don’t cry:(. I totally understand you. As an educator myself, I will be brutally honest with you, I get scared before I go into the classroom. But you teach as you do👍🏻❤️. I’m sure you are amazing.
Teaching is an art, teach what makes you comfortable your way.
Throughout time, everything will be comfortable and soon you will be feeling great teaching ❤️.
Hey I was wondering does your school not offer esl classes for the two bilingual kids? I remember in my school kids who just came from another country would have esl classes separate from regular ones and come to a regular class for math or science!
Definitely give yourself some grace. Your first year is a year of learning. So is your second, third, fourth, and so on. You got this. Once you get those expectations and routines set, it will be fine.
this ☝☝☝
I’m here to offer encouragement!! I’m a first year first grade teacher.l and I felt your emotions in this video. The same happened to me last Friday. But it gets BETTER!! As teachers I am learning that we will have our good days and bad days. And when the bad days happened we have to be able to shake it off. Wishing you all the best this school year.
You’re doing a great job! I’m starting my 2nd year as a special education teacher…but I was a Para for 4 years beforehand…You need to write down what is coming up the next day with lessons…read over it nightly and write what materials are needed for yourself & students so you’re prepared! If possible, purchase an Alexa or a timer to remind you when time is up for a particular block….once you get a flow you will start to see things fall in place. Time yourself to only stay a certain amount of time after school everyday until you get into routine…work on one thing at a time until it done…if you’re working on the weekend limit yourself to only an hour or so…Next year will be so much better because you will know what to expect!! You’ve Got This!!!! And don’t be afraid to ask other teachers for help…EVERYONE has been in your place and understand…FIND YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM!!!
Interesting. Thanks for sharing your Teacher experience.
I wouldn't be surprised if children work slower than others ! There is a thing called SEND.
Please be patient with this group of students
Kids can't sit that long to learn , it's no wonder you were pulling the work out of them and trying to keep their attention. Introduce plenty of movement breaks .
Break down information into chunks ... And I would write your instructions for children to follow so they tick off as they do it .
Your expectations are very high
Broken hearted for the poor children who had to miss doing art to copy other childrens work because they couldn't actually do the work through no fault of their own ( you said some have english as a second language). Your not helping these kids but tearing their confidence up as learners. How awful they must of felt inside! Gosh .
Please take all above as constructive criticism😮
Hey
I started teaching in first grade 9 years ago. Your feelings are valid. You are learning and it takes time to find your grove….be kind to yourself.
I started a classroom observation with a kinder teacher who has been in the game for over 20 years, and she along with others teachers run a little late to lunch sometimes as well, so I guess that’s just something that will happen in your career lol. Don’t be too hard on yourself because my lead teacher told me that it’s usually the first three years that you’re getting into the swing of things, and usually the first year is the hardest because your like a newborn bird who just got kicked out the nest. I think something that might help to redirect your kids is to prioritize “learning time”, the teacher I observe always says this to the students that we have “learning time” when they’re in class and “play time” when it’s time to go outside. If another adult would walk into the room, the teacher immediately tells her kids that “it’s learning time” and that if that adult is not there to teach them then they should be looking at the teacher. She’s a little more aggressive when telling them the rules, but the class runs very smooth😂 The parents and principal giving you praise is a great sign that you’re on the right track lol. Have a great rest of your week🎉
Here's My Question.
What do you do with students that you lose because they feel like they are learning something that does not click with them?
- Dwight
@@djthereplay I cannot give a confident answer because I’m still learning to become a teacher myself, but I would suggest a one on one with the student to see their thoughts process to see where you’re losing them during the lesson. I was taught that most of the time students can do something, but they don’t know why they’re doing it so when you slightly change something it confuses them. Like 2+2=4 because they were told that, but when they see that 1+1+1+1=4 as well you’ll lose them because they weren’t taught how they can solve for 4. Hopefully I didn’t further confuse you with my response lol😆
@@themagicalcupcakeunicorn5755
"a one on one with the student to see their thoughts process to see where you’re losing them during the lesson."
That is a correct answer.
First year teacher here and girl, I cried with you. It is extremely hard.
Hi, thanks for sharing and being so transparent about your progress. I just finished my first school year with 3K and I also learned I was pregnant in January. I felt like I didn’t have my stuff together literally until around February as well so it takes time. Give yourself grace.
Hey you are doing great. Don't get down. Reset and keep going. You are amazing!
As a first year teacher how often do you plan per week for lessons? I’m currently student teaching and I feel like I have to plan everyday based on how fast or slow the students catch onto the content.
First year is the hardest. Take advice from any veteran teacher you can! Get them moving lots and try not to teach too much, you won’t be able to do that, do the best you can and give yourself some grace.
🚘👈👪👪👪👪💏
Get them up and moving lots. There’s lots of fun RUclips math singing & dancing videos for skip counting etc. Also Word Wall games for learning sight words. The best classroom management system I used for many many years was FUZZIES. Each student gets a paint cup at their desk and they earn fuzzies (Pom poms) small & big. Then on fuzzy trading day they trade fuzzies for coupons. None of them cost money - there’s a teacher on TPT who has the whole program. You can give the whole class fuzzies, individual, and you can also take fuzzies away. It works really really well. Set your day up especially at the start with small time chunks and get them up and moving lots.
I will tell you, your first year of teaching is going to be your hardest year. I remember my first year of teaching. I taught fifth grade. It was always chaotic and loud 😅 but as the years go, you do get more comfortable, just hang in there!