From Anxiety to Assurance: 4 Ways New Teachers
Can Calm The Jitters
Teaching can be challenging for even the most experienced teacher. Those challenges can vary from teacher to teachers. The key is to
always stay calm and allow yourself to do one thing at a time. Have you ever heard these sayings, “Never let them see you cry?” or
“Don’t smile for the three months of school.” When it comes to the first weeks or months back to school, there are many things that
have been shared for new teachers to do or not do. Stick around to learn more about four ways new teachers can calm the jitters and
three tips you can use right now.
1. Be Consistent
Remember to be consistent. Being consistent in the classroom is key. Your students need to know what you say, you mean. This is what
will build trust with your students. They need know that they will be able to count on you to keep your word and follow through. Being
consistent bring comfort because student know how things work in your classroom. When students know how things work, they
become comfortable in their environment. Your students take risk and are more open to learning. Being consistent with your classroom
management is important. Students need to know that there are rules in your classroom. You need to decide will the rules be
developed by you or will the students collaborate to create the rules in your classroom. This can include establishing consequences
and reward incentives. After the rules have been establish, they should review the rules with your students.Even when your students
know the rules, still take the time to review them on a regularly with them. Your rules should be a living breathing document for the
running of your class. have for your students should remain consistent from beginning of the school year until the end of the school
year.
2. Be Organized
What does being organized really mean? In the classroom, there are a lot of things you are going to have to do. The important
things for you to be organized. By staying organize, it make those things that you are expected to do in the classroom more easy to
manage. When you have several tasks to accomplish or deadline that you must meet being organize can help you to cross off what you
need to do in a timely manner. Students can tell when there is organization in the classroom because the teacher tends to be more in
control of what needs to happen throughout the day or throughout the week.
3. Be Prepared
You need to have your procedures and routines in place. Procedures and. routines is where you teach students what the running of
classroom should look like. Do not wait to establish your procedures and routine. Introducing students to the classroom procedures and
routines immediately can keep your classroom running efficiently. Procedures and routines are the way in which your classroom will
function throughout the day. From lining up and sharping pencils to cleaning up and asking to go to the bathroom. The more students
have a clear understanding of the procedures and routines in your classroom, the smoother your classroom will run. If something is not
working, changing the procedure may be the answer. What is most important is finding what work for you and the running of your
class. You can create procedures and routines for almost everything! It just need to communicate to your students consistently.
4. Be Mindful
And finally, being mindful of what we expect is important. Your students need to know that you have high expectations for them. The
expectations for your students can relate to following the classroom rules, the way they do their work, their behavior at the lunch time.
how they conduct themselves at an assembly, or even during a fire drill. Having and maintaining high expectations for every student
can make the difference in the relationship you have with your class. Expectations really show students how much you care about
them. It is important that you communicate this to your students. When your students believes they cannot do something, but your
expectations of them can change how they go about taking on things that may be challenging for them. Your students need to know
that they are being held to the same standard as their classroom peers.
Final Thoughts
Before you know it, you will be off to an amazing school year. Always remember, consistency, consistency, consistency. It is so
important to remember that the running of your classroom depends on the foundation you set early on (the first week, month) in the
school year. Academics while important, should be second to the rules, procedures, and expectations you put in place especially at the
beginning of the school year. Without a strong classroom management system, it is difficult to teach students who do not know how
your classroom operates. When communicating, be sure to be clear, provide examples, and plenty of time to practice, practice, practice.
The final thought that is important to remember is that your classroom management system has to fit you, your style. In other words,
you should not try to copy the teacher next door if it does not fit your comfort level, or you do not see yourself being consistent with it.
Here Are Three Tips To Keep In Mind:
· Establish Clear Expectations – Communicate your expectations for behavior, academic performance, and classroom procedures clearly from the very beginning by developing and discuss rules and routines with your students this can create a predictable, structured learning environment.
· Build Positive Relationships – Build positive relationships with your students individually as you take the time to get to know them by showing genuine interest, being approachable, and listen to their concerns so they feel valued.
· Implement Effective Classroom Management Strategies – Explore and implement various classroom management strategies that align with your teaching style and the needs of your students through positive reinforcement, proactive planning for transitions and disruptions, utilizing non-verbal cues, and implementing restorative practices for conflict resolution.
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