The start of school is rapidly approaching. Some teachers look forward to it and can’t wait to get the year started. Others hold onto summer vacation as long as possible, waiting until the last minute before heading into their classrooms to get things ready for the students. But the majority are somewhere in between: they look forward to meeting their students and working with them at school, but they also enjoy the relaxation of summer.
Regardless of where you fall in your view of the school year starting, everyone can use some help with the transition from summer relaxation to school stress. We’ve compiled a few tips to make the school year get off to a good start.
- Get your classroom organized right away. It will let you focus on your students, and having this chore out of the way will relieve a lot of the start-of-year stress.
- For experienced teachers, look at what you’ve done on the first day of school and evaluate if it’s a good activity. If it’s good, stick with it. If it needs some adjusting, seek some advice from other teachers. And please share ideas with the rookie teachers. They’re already lost, and the school year hasn’t even started yet. 🙂
- Consider not handing out your list of rules, policies and procedures on the first day. This is especially applicable for secondary teachers because it’s possible your students are hearing the same speeches in every class. Mix it up a little for them.
- Set a goal. Maybe it’s to smile more. Maybe it’s to grade papers quicker, or get to some of the students’ concerts or sporting events. Once you set the goal, write it down. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, discuss it with a colleague so that he/she can keep you accountable.
- Figure out a time to exercise during the day. Before school, after school, anytime to get the blood flowing and take care of yourself.
- Update your webpage. Parents and students look to the Internet for information and appreciate the teachers who have updated pages.
- Consider more technology in your classroom. Having a class party? Please consider using one of our products, TimeToSignUp.com, to simplify the organization of volunteers and food. Your first sign up sheet is free, no strings attached. We promise.
- Make it fun! And I don’t just mean your classroom. Have fun in the numerous faculty meetings leading up to the start of school. My favorite: playing bingo with buzzwords. I find it more fun to sit with others and come up with the list of words prior to the meeting, or use one of the lists available online. Up the ante by offering a prize for the winner. And double the prize if the winner yells “bingo” out loud during the meeting.
Do you have any suggestions for new or experienced teachers? Maybe you’re a parent, teacher or student – all viewpoints are welcome.
[Photo courtesy Miami U Libraries on Flickr.]