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Mysterious Teaching

Insights behind the perils of being a teacher

For All you Future and First year teachers...

Florida Reads has activities for all the grades.  You don't have to invent them you just take your reading vocabulary and concepts and put your own stuff into the activities.  I even like leaving their vocabulary in and just adding mine because in just increases their vocabulary.  http://www.fcrr.org/forTeachers.htm  You can use these ideas to create the most amazing activities and centers for your students.  You will have to make them though.

I also use edhelper.com a lot.  You  have to pay for it but you can get other teachers to go in with you and share the cost.  I don't know if that is legal but it sure is cheaper. 

Don't just focus on experienced teachers.  I found some fantastic new ideas from brand spanking new teachers.  Find a group or team and work together.  It can really help you get through the year.

IMMEDIATELY get some file folders and save every idea you use or hear.  Even if it doesn't work.  It just didn't work with this group, it may work with a different one or can be adjusted.  I have never had an identical year in 22 years of teaching.  I am FINALLY getting rid of things because I am still collecting things.

Don't forget your curriculum director at your district or school.  They are trained to help you out.  Just remember to be really nice to them.  That always helps.

When you get tired and frustrated, GO HOME! (after school of course)  It will still be there tomorrow.  Take some time for yourself.  Get away from the stress.  We had teachers who stressed so much that they were literally sick all year.  One teacher actually OWED the district at the end of the year.  Don't let that happen to you.  Step back.  Re-evaluate what you are doing.  Is it worth your health to do it?  Never. 

If you get far behind in grading: do scan grading - look over the paper and if it looks fine or is complete give the student points.  Or pick one problem and grade that one only and give the students points.  Use file 13 (trash can) if you really have to.  Do not feel you have to grade every paper.  Remember, Most of them are practice.  Grade quizes or tests and give points for completed assignments if necessary.  Or have to students do ONE graded assignment every week.  Don't tell them which one will be graded.

Here's wishing you a fantastic year.  Linda

Published Tuesday, July 08, 2008 7:28 PM by MysteryTeacher

Comments

 

Maria said:

Thank you for your future teacher advice! I will be a teacher in one year and already I am starting to feel a bit nervous about all of the responsibilities ahead.  I always like to get everything done and off my mind, but from observing other teachers it seems as though the work never ends.  It is encouraging to read your advice about taking time for yourself and if you do feel stressed out it is okay to leave the work until tomorrow. Time management and organization is important, so I think your idea of having a folder to constantly store ideas and resources will be very helpful.  Blogging is an effective way to share ideas and advice with other teachers.

July 9, 2008 2:04 PM
 

JCK said:

You tell it !!!  I love your blog--simple, straightforward advice with an edge.  Are you a closet cynic as well?  Thanks for your comments on my blog, by the way.  Any suggestions?  Looking forward to it :)

July 9, 2008 3:59 PM
 

cheez-its said:

thank you for reminding us to calm down, relax and evaluate. However I must say I never dreamed I could OWE the district. AH!

July 10, 2008 12:40 PM
 

lizzy said:

I really like your grading advice! As a future teacher I wondered how teachers decide what to grade because I feel like everything could be graded.  By narrowing down the specifics and choosing just the one or two items to focus on will really help.  I also like your idea of having the students do one graded assignment a week but not telling them which one will be graded.  I feel like this would push the students to do their best on all their work since they do not know what is going to be graded.  I love your advice on leaving if you become tired or frustrated.  I know that I will want to leave all school work at school and not take it home with me because I want home to be seperated from school.  I would not want to become so stressed that I would be sick and I have to owe time at the end of the year.  I will definately remember your advice when I do start teaching.

July 15, 2008 5:07 PM
 

Andy Coates said:

Hi!  My name is Andy Coates and I have taught 2nd grade for one year!  I'm hoping to teach the same grade this year.  The Florida Reader website is awesome!  I can't wait to use it for some of my centers.  I thought "contraction bingo" was really neat!  Thanks for the advice about grading.  I used File 13 a lot last year but now I don't feel so bad about it.  I am working on my Master's degree with Walden University, and I heard about another great website that is free and has a lot of great ideas for math centers.  It also has neat little songs to motivate the students to do what you want.  It seems like it would make good transitions (for k-2).  The website is:

www.canteach.ca    if anyone is interested!

July 23, 2008 11:18 PM
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About MysteryTeacher

I am a wild, whacky, weird, wonderful woman and teacher. I am venturing into a previous life by teaching ELL this fall. I use to teach ESL years ago. I am excited, empowered, and employed. I love life.

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