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Back to School 2021 - First Year Teacher Procedure
Some advice for new teachers... I imagine that you are decorating your classroom and the front door, figuring out what type of ridiculous lesson plan outlines your administration wants to be submitted a week in advance and doing other fun things. Nothing that you are doing right now will prepare you for the actual school year. So here is some practical advice...
School supplies... Not sure if your families donate supplies right to the classroom, or the county provides a school-wide supply room, whatever the case is, you will be running out of pencils all year. Pencils of all things simply disappear and are in daily need. Every class has a couple of students who will be in need of pencils. All the tracking in the world will not provide you with enough. Then there is a question of when do you allow students to sharpen their pencils. Some teachers don't allow sharpening during instruction, which I agree with. It's distracting to everyone. So, the best thing to do, no matter what age your students are is to have a cup of "ready-to-go" pencils available at all times. Yes, soon after the school year starts you will run out of pencils and will have to purchase some out of pocket. It's ok. Keep the receipt and write it off your school supply allowance or tax. Being in charge of pencils will reduce classroom distraction. Even better, make the "pencil ready cup" a part of student helpers' job. Kids will be more than happy to help and will learn to appreciate having pencils available when they need them. It's a win-win! :).
School supplies... Not sure if your families donate supplies right to the classroom, or the county provides a school-wide supply room, whatever the case is, you will be running out of pencils all year. Pencils of all things simply disappear and are in daily need. Every class has a couple of students who will be in need of pencils. All the tracking in the world will not provide you with enough. Then there is a question of when do you allow students to sharpen their pencils. Some teachers don't allow sharpening during instruction, which I agree with. It's distracting to everyone. So, the best thing to do, no matter what age your students are is to have a cup of "ready-to-go" pencils available at all times. Yes, soon after the school year starts you will run out of pencils and will have to purchase some out of pocket. It's ok. Keep the receipt and write it off your school supply allowance or tax. Being in charge of pencils will reduce classroom distraction. Even better, make the "pencil ready cup" a part of student helpers' job. Kids will be more than happy to help and will learn to appreciate having pencils available when they need them. It's a win-win! :).
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