10 Things I've Learned from Teaching

As a teacher I can say I have learned at least one new thing every day.  Most days I learn much more!  Today I am linking up with Miss Kindergarten to share 10 Things I’ve Learned from Teaching.







  

1. You can never over plan.  Lessons won’t go as planned, technology will fail, and students will finish early.  Have some group math or reading games students can do if a lesson ends early. 

2. Be flexible.  There will be interruptions like assemblies, announcements, student conflicts, and drills there may be days that you don’t cover everything you planned.  It will be okay, try again tomorrow.

3. Growth, not perfection is what makes a good educator. 

4. Put children first.  They are the reason we are there.  So no matter how many bad days occur, they deserve the best at all times.

5. Little ones believe EVERYTHING! I am sarcastic by nature, but 6 and 7 year olds don’t understand sarcasm.  One year I told my class that the pencil fairy was concerned students were eating pencils because the pencils kept disappearing.  For the next few days students were searching for the student who ate all the pencils!

6. Build good parent-teacher relationships early in the year. 

7. Show parents you care about their child.  Find the positive in the student who won’t sit still and struggles to follow directions.  When talking with parents, stress all the wonderful things about their child.  Parents will be more willing to help address the concern, when they know you also see the positive in their child. 

8. Find a teacher you can confide in.  Preferably one that will keep your confidence, let you vent, and then help you find the bright spot or simply move on.  Continuing to focus on the bad will most likely make you bitter.

9. Laugh often.  Find reasons to laugh throughout the day.   Show students learning can be fun!

10.  Take time for yourself!  Don’t let school consume your life.  Relax and enjoy life.  Do what makes you happy.