Before we even get to the tips, a few teacher buds and I are spending the week sharing our favorite tips for getting through this crazy time. Stop by all week + enter our giveaway!
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1) Focus on the BIG picture.
This time is crazy hectic. It just is. But when I start each day with a little
She Reads Truth over coffee, I feel the Holy Spirit within me. Not just for the moment, but for the day. It sticks with me and reminds me that I am here to serve those kiddos. (even as a not-currently-in-the-classroom-teacher). They need you. They need your patience. Starting the day off by pointing you in the right direction makes a world of difference. (Truth moment - this isn't easy. I have to force myself to stop and read, but I pray that one day I won't have to force myself and that it will become something I need).
2) Rely on your friends.
Teacher mentors, Lucy Calkins, you fave teacher bloggers. These are the
people I turn to when life gets insane. Embrace the insanity and find ways to steer your kiddo's enthusiasm into some good ol' fashioned learning. Find great activities that fit your curriculum and use them to keep your learners engaged. Check out some of my favorites
here,
here, and
here!
3) Stick with it.
Just because I recommend embracing some fun activities, does not mean get off schedule. Stick to your routine! Kiddos crave structure. Even if Writing doesn't look like
writing, call it writing and do it during your writing time. It helps keep structure and expectations in your schedule.
4) Don't be scared to laugh.
You're reaching that time in the year where you
know your kiddos. They know you. Show them the
real you. Don't be scared to laugh, make mistakes, and get messy. January is all about building back those expectations. Use this time to build relationships and gain their trust. You'll never regret it.
5) Stay organized.
Keep with it. Always hand out student papers as soon as you get them. File away papers the second you get back into your room. Delete e-mails once they are no longer necessary. Don't get bogged down. Stay on top of those piles and you won't feel the weight of this season (This coming from a woman who hides stacks upon stacks under her desk... but it's still a goal that I reach for! You can do it too!)
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6) Surround yourself with pretty reminders.
Grab this weekly reminder and save it as you iPhone wallpaper. Then
stop back by my blog every Sunday for a new one. It reminds you to keep hustling and remember that YOU ARE AWESOME. You've got this teacher friends!
Now hop on over to my dear friend Martina's blog! She's sharing some other amazing tips with you today :)
They're free and pretty - what more could you ask for? For personalized Conference Forms with the CCSS standards included, be sure to purchase one of my writing units!
