Teacher Talk Tuesday

Blog Hoppin' is hosting linky parties all week to celebrate back to school!  The topic today... advice for new teachers.
Here are some quick tips of the trade.

1. Get to know everyone at your school, but mostly love on your custodians and secretaries. They are definitely people to have on your side. I find a friendly hello or a quick thank you note for all that they do goes a long way.  Homemade cookies or brownies don't hurt either.
2. Remember that no questions is a silly question.  If you aren't sure what someone is trying to explain to you... ask! Teachers are amazingly willing to take time out their day to help out.
3. Know when to say thank you for the idea and walk away from a conversation.  I remember my first year so many people wanted to share how they did things.  Every idea was great, but I was so overwhelmed.  Remember you don't have to use everything your given.  Pick and choose what works for YOU.  You are the teacher in your classroom, you can't be somebody else. 
4. Have routines in place for everything. If you have a routine, you know what you expect and the kids know what to expect.  Don't make them guess, it's frustrating for them and for you. Oh, and practice, practice, practice!
5. Find a balance between school work and your home life. Remember that you can always do more. Figure out one place to focus and build from there.  Don't try to take on too much and start spending all your waking hours at school, which is very easy your first year. Go home, relax, blog (hehe), and enjoy your life outside of being a teacher. 

Head on over to Blog Hoppin' to link up and add your own ideas or simply comment below.  

You know how much I love comments.  :)

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