Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Advice for a New Teacher

    Posted 09-29-2019 10:34 AM
    Hi all!

    I am currently pursuing my Early Childhood license from Xavier University. 

    I was hoping that some of you may be willing to share some advice with me for my first classroom. For example, things I may not learn about but would be important to know :)

    Thanks in advance for any advice!

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    Anna Erickson
    Cincinnati OH
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  • 2.  RE: Advice for a New Teacher

    Posted 09-30-2019 09:00 AM
    Hello Anna,  

    WOW that is a tall order, but what comes to mind first and foremost is to think about and plan for MANAGEMENT techniques.  For example, be sure to have a clear list of the daily routines you will have and the times you will have transitions (i.e., getting on line, entering the classroom, dismissal, snack time, story time, free play time, etc.).  It is important to be consistent and use simple directions.  For example, when children are getting on line be sure they know exactly what to do and have a chart with pictures and words for them to refer to (i.e., push in chair and/or walk slowly to your line spot, face front, listen for directions).  You should plan to role model and practice routines often in the beginning of the year.  You should also think about the flow of your day and what is appropriate for whatever age group you will be teaching.  Last, remember to use your colleagues as mentors and learn from those you want to emulate and even those you don't (it is good to know what you disagree with as well as what you agree with).  I recently taught a pre student teaching graduate course and devoted a lot of time to management as I think it is one of the areas that pre service teachers are anxious about and do not get enough instruction in.  If you want any of the information I created for the course, please let me know and I can forward it to you if you send your email.  

    Happy Learning,
    Gina James

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    Gina James
    Teacher
    NYCDOE
    Williston Pk NY
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  • 3.  RE: Advice for a New Teacher

    Posted 09-30-2019 01:58 PM
    I admire you for reaching out for advice and thinking about the future.  The very first thing that came to mind while reading your post was take a classroom management course if it is available.​  In my experience of hiring staff for twenty years, the single most difficult thing for them to learn on the job is classroom management.  It is always easier for those who have taken courses that deal with that.  It is a great skill and allows for so much more time and enjoyment in the day for everyone if the children learn and understand from the start what you expect and how they can comply.  I wish you well in your training and teaching.

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    Claudia Decker
    Director
    Operation PAR
    Saint Petersburg FL
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  • 4.  RE: Advice for a New Teacher

    Posted 10-03-2019 12:54 PM
    Hi Claudia!

    Thanks so much for your advice. I will keep it in mind and see if there is a course I can take. 

    Best,
    Anna

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    Anna Erickson
    Cincinnati OH
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  • 5.  RE: Advice for a New Teacher

    Posted 10-04-2019 02:18 PM
    Congrats on pursing your early childhood license. There was a lot of things that came to my mind when I was reading your post since I was an early childhood major in college. Classroom management is very important. create a layout of the classroom where you want to place certain things like, toys, snack table, books etc. I would highly recommend labeling where items go on the shelf so children know where to put toys back after using them. Make sure the label is big enough so that the children can see it / read it. Make sure that all the toys in your classroom are age appropriate for the children that you are working with. If you have children that have outburst or need some where to calm themselves down have a clam down area or a quiet area, with books or a stuffed animal for the children to love until they feel better. Your colleagues are their to mentor you, if your unsure about your classroom setting go to them and tell them your concerns. Also have the children's names posted somewhere in the classroom where they can see the letters in their name. For example, the children's names could be in big letters over the cubbies so children can learn to write the letters in their name. try have the classroom routine posted in the classroom where children can see so they know what to do at a certain time.

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    Cheryl Morris
    Saint Louis MO
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  • 6.  RE: Advice for a New Teacher

    Posted 10-05-2019 03:05 PM
    Hi Cheryl,

    Thanks so much for your reply. I have noted what you have said! I think that it is a great idea to label things and I am very organized so it sounds right up alley.
    Thanks for taking the time to reply to my message.

    Best,
    Anna

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    Anna Erickson
    Cincinnati OH
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  • 7.  RE: Advice for a New Teacher

    Posted 10-05-2019 03:21 PM
    Just a few documents that might be of some use to you....Gina James



    Attachment(s)



  • 8.  RE: Advice for a New Teacher

    Posted 10-06-2019 04:06 PM
    Hi Anna,
    In addition to the wonderful suggestions that you have gotten here, one thing that is rarely considered in school is the reality of the number of children now in preschool with special needs of various kinds.  Spend some time learning about Sensory Processing Disorder in general, because that is a huge factor (I find) in the current preschool reality, and kids are often no diagnosed or identified unless they also have autism, but SPD often appears without autism...

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    Joanie Calem
    Music and Inclusion Specialist
    Sing Along
    Columbus, OH
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