Top Ten Tips for Teachers

Teachers out there need an extra push? Looking for new ideas for your classroom? Here I present to you some A+ ideas you will be aching to try.

1. New student in the classroom? Give your newbie a “New Kid Kit” which contains a map of the school, a daily schedule, a list of students in your class, and something fun. Let the student know they are welcome and be sure to introduce them subtly into your class. No one likes standing up in front of their peers for inspection.
2. Let your students play the role of teacher every once and a while. When students grade themselves you get inside their heads and see what they see. Discuss the grade with them and agree on an acceptable mark. Responsibility is key to child development.
3. Create a section of your class designed for the repair of broken projects and assignments. No one likes to see their hard work fall apart. Show your students their time is valued and allow them to fix whatever may be broken. Art projects spend the most time here, be sure to have glitter, glue, and macaroni handy.
4. Allow your students a time to turn in late assignments that are not penalized. Rigid schedules, while effective, do not allow for the human element. Everyone makes mistakes; don’t punish your students for things that may be outside of their control. It’s ok to be lenient every now and then.
5. Send your new students a letter or postcard before the summer is over. Get them excited about school. The more effort you put in the more it will be reciprocated.
6. Invite all members from the community into your classroom: policeman, dog catcher, mayor, and bakers. You never know when your passion will find you and students need all the positive role models they can get. There may be a social hierarchy, but you don’t need to teach it in your classroom.
7. Talk to your students. At the beginning of the year give them a survey to fill out of what they want to see and expect to learn over the next year. When the school year closes give them another survey asking them what they liked and what can be improved. Your students may be better judges of your curriculum than you think.
8. Keep a list of tutors and sitters on hand for any student who might need a little extra attention. You can’t do it all so don’t stress over it. Providing valuable information is part of your job so take it seriously.
9. Begin a book trade in your classroom. Allow students to trade one of their books for one of yours. Encouraging students to read sometimes takes not only your time, but your money as well. Do not be afraid to invest in your class. Need a place to find cheap books? Done.
10. Call home and not just when the students are bad. A phone call home insights dread in a child. Change their minds and call just to say that little Johnny did exceptionally well on today’s math test. Parents love to hear about their child’s accomplishments and we all need a pat on the back every now and then.

These are just some thoughts I have for my future classroom. Feel free to steal them for yours and if you have any ideas. . .I would love to hear them. Happy teaching!