How-To & Education
Back to School Teacher Tips
(by 8 people)
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It's that time of year again. Summer is in full swing and fall will be here too soon for most of us.
Time to start organizing and planning! This lens features Teacher Tips to motivate and inspire you.
This is a starting place! Get your classroom organized and ready to go!
Curriculum Overview is #1
Goals for the Year
Teacher Textbooks
School Calendar
Personal Calendar
Planning Notebook
Writing Utensil
1. Develop goals for the year.
2. Divide yearly goals into manageable chunks (marking period, month, week, daily goals).
Things to think about:
What will students learn about?
How do all of the pieces fit together?
Is there a theme for the year, marking period, month or week?
What special projects, activities, or field trips will be planned? When?
Will you need any supplies or funding?
Did you know that FlyLady helps teachers?
- FlyLady's Teacher Control Journal
- If you're familiar with FlyLady, you already know what to expect! If you're a newbie or as FlyLady calls you, a flybaby, then you are in for a treat.
Classroom Arrangement
Where's the Teacher's Desk?
Teacher's Desk: After a few years, I gave up my desk. I never sat at it and it was always collecting stuff (dust and clutter). Instead of a desk, I prefer a work table and an organized shelving unit. My supplies are within reach and I can work with several students--not just one or two.
I like to arrange my room in zones.
Quiet Zone--for reading and working independently.
Cooperative Zone--working with partners (soft/whisper voice).
Messy Zone--art projects & supplies, snacks, science projects (must clean your space before leaving)
Research & Investigation Zone--dictionaries, encyclopedias, computers, writing materials.
Think about how students will move from one area to another. Use furniture to direct the traffic flow.
If an area is too crowded, experiment with the arrangement.
Make a Classroom Handbook
1. Design a handbook that is attractive and easy to use.
2. If your handbook is long, include a table of contents and be sure to number the pages.
3. Most handbooks should include:
--Cover Page
--Table of Contents
--Introduction
--Contact Information
--Classroom Schedule
--Schedule of Specials
--Classroom Rules, Policies, and Routines
4. I also like to include:
--Study Hints
--Tips for Success
--School Calendar
--School Information
--Frequently Asked Questions
Back to School Links
Resources, Supplies, Lessons, Tips, Ideas, and more...
- Back to School Resources
- One stop shopping for Early Childhood resources and supplies --theme--Back to School.
- Back to School Teacher Tips
- Back to School Teacher Tips from AFT (professional teaching organization).
- Teacher Planet
- Back to School Information including first day activities, forms, tips, and clipart.
- Busy Teacher's Cafe
- Links to printable Back to School resources and ideas.
- Back to School by Irene
- Another great Back to School starting point! Includes a blog about starting the year over. Also links to many educational sites.
- 14 Activities for the First Day Back to School
- Great ideas to build upon!
- Top 10
- Top 10 things to do before school begins!
- Real Teacher
- Real Teacher Homepage! Read blogs, find links for teachers and just for fun.
Comments are appreciated! Recomend your favorite teacher sites.
Where Does This Go?
Label Everything!
Once you have designated a place for everything, label it. Labels make it simpler for everyone. Everyone will know where the item came from and where it should be returned.
Students will know where the scissors belong.
The Substitute teacher will be able to locate needed supplies and equipment.
Anyone who borrows something will know where it belongs.
It will take time to label everything, but it will save time and keep the room organized during the school year.
Welcoming Students Back to School
Introduce yourself and give a brief overview of the coming year.
I like to include a trivia question, challenge, or assignment (bring a family photo) that will be part of the first week of school.
2. Welcome Back Pack!
I place a special Welcome Back Pack on each desk. Each item in the pack is special!
During the first week or two, the Welcome Back Pack is used to introduce classroom procedures.
Example: A paper lunchsack containing a magnet, a highlighter, a pencil, and a waterbottle.
The magnet is for the attendance/lunch board, the highlighter is for highlighting directions, we always write with pencils, and you are welcome to have a waterbottle at your desk.
Tip: Make it interesting and useful, not just cute.
Classroom Decorations
1. Know what is allowed before you decorate. Some classrooms have limitations due to risk of fire (only a percentage of the space can be decorated).
2. Leave space to display student work. Students also enjoy decorating if given the opportunity.
3. Use a theme (from your yearly planning). This will help you to focus.
4. Sit in a student desk. What do you see? Is the decor overwhelming, blah, or attractive?
Back to School Books
The First Days Of School: How To Be An Effective Teacher
This book is a great resource for new and experienced teachers. I like to reread parts of it every year.
Are You Ready?
2. Imagine situations that could occur (no sharpened pencil, sickness, etc.). What might you do?
3. Double/Triple check--
Do you have all your materials and lessons planned?
What will you do with extra time? Do you have a back up plan?
Love and Logic Books
Teaching With Love and Logic: Taking Control of the Classroom
I was very impressed by a second grade classroom. The atmosphere was cooperative and enjoyable. In trying to discover the difference, I learned that the teacher had years of experience with Love and Logic. I read the book and am excited about implementing the core principles this fall.
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/26/2008)
Love & Logic Solutions for Kids With Special Needs
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/26/2008)
The Pearls of Love and Logic for Parents and Teachers
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/26/2008)
Discipline With Love and Logic Resource Guide
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
Love and Logic Teacher-Isms: Wise Words for Teachers
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 07/26/2008)
Lenses to Enjoy!
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Real Teacher Experiences
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In this lens, I will share the real life experiences of an elementary teacher with you. What is it really like? Why do teachers have the entire summer off? What really goes on in the classroom? And more... Visit Real Teache...
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Teachers Mentoring Teachers Headquarters
More Teacher Tips
Blog Posts from Google
- Classroom Connection: Back to school supply dos and don'ts
- Filed under: Preschoolers, Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Education, Resources. Right about now back to school...
- My Introduction
- Teaching also offers benefits that preschool teachers generally do not get and this was another ince...
- Black Education
- The virtually empty classrooms, filmed on back-to-school night, suggested little parental interest i...
Thoughts & Things
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPlease Share Your Thoughts With Us!
Do you have any back to school tips for teachers?
Please share them with us! Thank you.
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richgerman
such a nice lens for all all teachers...and here are so many informative and links directly to the school needs. keep it up its a good start! Posted July 21, 2008 |
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JimLeatherwood
Great lens. You have put together a great resource for all teachers. Please feel free to visit my lens and say hello when you get a chance. Posted June 09, 2008 |
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Evelyn_Saenz
Fancy Nancy loves your lens about Teachers. She can hardly wait to read the rest of your lenses. Posted April 13, 2008 |
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JewelryChic
Great lens! Teachers have a greater impact on our society than nearly any other profession! Jan -- Chic2Vintagejewelry.com Posted September 10, 2007 |
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JanetG
Love this site. I am sending it to my friend who begins her first year of teaching this fall. Thank you. Posted August 15, 2007 |
My StumbleUpon PageLook who made this lens!
Thialee
I am so glad you stopped by! I am an elementary teacher with some extra time during the summer. Take a look around and let me know what you think.
Thank...
moreWhat's here
- Curriculum Overview is #1
- Did you know that FlyLady helps teachers?
- Classroom Arrangement
- Make a Classroom Handbook
- Back to School Links
- More...
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