Congratulations - you got a teaching job!
Are you excited? Yeah you are. Are you scared?
Probably. Well here are some tips that I
wish i would have had my first year of
teaching and i'm going to give them to
you. Hopefully they help.
Number 1 - those first two weeks really do matter.
So have a plan but be prepared to have it
change. You need to be flexible.
You're kinda going to be on a tightrope for
the first two weeks...
You'll get through it.
Number 2 - your rug time is gonna crash and burn - often - and that's totally fine.
You're going to learn the signs - when
they start getting fidgety do a finger
play. Two kids talking? Separate them. And when in doubt just dance.
Nothing will make it better than dancing.
Number 3 -  your patience will be tried.
and tried again and again
so you have to learn what works for you.
Is it taking a deep breath? Is it tagging
an assistant in? Whatever it is,
learn it, learn it quickly, and know that
it's going to be okay.
Number 4 - be silly and have a sense of humor!
Teaching preschool is really serious - dare I say
no small matter? But at the same time
it's the funnest job possible so be
silly be yourself and have a good time
doing it.
Number 5 - we can't all be Miss Honey.
We're going to have bad days
you're going to lose your cool and it's
okay. It happens to everybody.
Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start again - because even Miss Honey has some bad days.
Number 6 - enthusiasm is
contagious! Your kids know if you're not
interested in something so go ahead get
down on the floor with them. Play, explore
be invested - it's gonna make a world of
difference.
Number 7 - don't get attached to anything you own.
Much like the kids, wear nothing you
value to school. I don't think I own a
single article of clothing that doesn't have
paint or a stain or a rip on it, so save
yourself the trouble
just don't wear it.
Number 8 -  don't be afraid to borrow. See  a lesson plan that was
pretty cool? An art exploration you want
to try? It's okay to borrow it - just make
sure you put your own spin on it and
make sure you share your stuff too
because you never know who you inspire.
Number 9 - when in doubt, whisper. It's probably one of my favorite tricks. The day I learned that
it i just didn't talk over them but talked
under them my class became a much
quieter place so don't be afraid to whisper. It changes everything.
Number 10 - when that kid is driving you
nuts
hug em. It's what you both need.
For all my experienced preschool teachers out there
go ahead and put your tips and tricks in
the comments below
and let's help out these newbies because
we were all there once before.
