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10 Must Know Tips for New Teachers

What first year teacher doesn’t need some great tips to survive the school year? I’d say a good hack is way more valuable than all the Target Spot back to school goodies in stock right now! I’m sure all the adorable ‘school is in session’ decor and bins are calling your name and reminding you that summer’s end inches nearer and nearer. With school starting soon, I wanted to share with you 10 MUST KNOW tips to help make your first year a little less stressful! If I were you, I’d also save this post to revisit it in October, January, and March. If those months seem random to you, it turns out those are some of the most stressful months of the year! Who knew, right? These tips can help ground you back to what’s important in education and how to continue pushing through learning and growing with your kiddos! 

10 must know tips for new teachers blog post

1. Get To Know Your LEARNERS

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s definitely a number one priority as an educator.  When I say get to know them, I mean learn about who they are, what their interests are, who is in their family, and how they learn best. Truly knowing your students will help them trust you, and ultimately, help you teach them. Students can’t learn from you until they feel loved, respected, and have trust. By spending the time getting to know them, playing with them on the playground, talking to them about what their life is like outside of school, and doing activities where you can really connect, you will find that you can achieve almost ANYTHING with your students! 

2. Build a Positive Classroom Community

Right at the top of the list with getting to know your students is building a positive, kind, and healthy classroom community. This takes time, energy, and work. However, taking the time to do this at the beginning of the year will make for a classroom that works well together and helps lift each other up throughout the entire year. There are a number of ways to help build your community. Engaging in Team building activities, Morning Meetings, Connection Circles, and targeting Social and Emotional Skills are just a few of the great ways to start out strong and build a foundation. Starting from day one and continuing every day will ensure a strong, healthy classroom community. Always remember to greet your students with a smile EVERY DAY. It may be the only one they see all day. A great and easy way to connect with students is with morning greetings! Check out the FREE one below!

morning greeting freebie

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3. Take TIME to Establish Routines and Procedures

Routines and procedures are like the glue that keeps your classroom together. They are both things to not only plan out, but to spend ample amounts of TIME establishing and practicing with students. They should be very EXPLICIT and CLEAR and modeled by you as many times as needed. Getting these crucial components down at the beginning of the year will save you for the REST of the year. Plan to spend the first SIX WEEKS with students building those rules, routines, and procedures and this will help your students hit the ground running when it comes to instruction, because they know what is expected of them. Thinking through things like carpet time procedures, hallway procedures, and bathroom procedures, are just a few but very important things to think about. Check out this blog post HERE to learn more specifics about teaching routines and procedures to students. 

4. Be Creative in Engagement

Your students have you as their teacher and do you know why that is special? Because no one else is YOU! No one can do things the exact way as you, nor does anyone have the exact same passions or interests as you. So USE THAT! Be creative!! Engage students with YOUR bag of tricks. This will take some time to build, but think about what you’re already good at and use those skills to your advantage! Are you really funny? Use that as an engagement tool. Love to sing or rap? Add music into your lessons! Build your bag of tricks and engage students with YOUR passions and interests. Chances are… if you’re into it, they will be into it too. This also allows students to freely be them and makes them feel comfortable bringing their own creativeness to the table. It’s an overall fun time! 

5. Learn the Standards

This will take time to do and years to get really good at, but LEARN those standards! This is one of the best ways to ensure you are covering things students need to know and that you’re not creating unintentional gaps. Curriculums for subjects may get outdated, but your state standards typically won’t. They may shift and change some, but learning the standards will help you understand the what, why, and how of teaching skills and strategies to students. 

10 must know tips for new teachers

6. Utilize Your Families

Your families will be your partner in growing and learning with their kids so UTILIZE them! Get to know who is a part of your student’s family and who helps care for them to foster connections. They typically know your students better than ANYONE so use them for information, ideas, and even help in the classroom if they can! Share the positive with them and keep them in the loop of what goes on in your class. This will help you have a smooth year and build even stronger connections with your students!

7. Take Care of YOU

While all the things are important, nothing is more important than your mental health. It is SO easy to get consumed and say yes to ALL the things. HOWEVER, it is important to set boundaries for your time outside the classroom, know your limits, and set clear expectations for the extra duties you do pick up. The first year is HARD. So don’t forget to take care of YOU. Know when to leave and put things down for the day. Try to stay around the positive energies and not delve into the drama. Set timers to do things like drink water and take deep breaths. Don’t feel guilty about using those personal days. Take a mental health day when you need it. I know it’s hard to step back, but sometimes it’s not only the best thing for you, but also your students. 

8. Organization is Key

This is a HUGE one. There are SO many things in the classroom. Between your things and the students’ things, needless to say- it is A LOT. Try to create spaces for things at the beginning of the year so that they can stay organized throughout the year. Sometimes even having a place for miscellaneous things can be very helpful! Also spending some time in the middle of the year reorganizing can really help get you through the end of the year. Things WILL pile up, but that’s ok! Just try to organize as much as you can. Even if you don’t think it needs to be organized, chances are, it does. 

9. Ask for Help

This is something I wish I would have done more of my first year. Do not be ashamed or afraid to ASK FOR HELP! There is SO much to learn and it is VERY overwhelming. Find a few teachers who can help and support you in times of need. It may end up being some teammates, someone in administration, or even people on the opposite side of the building from you. Whoever it is, build a support group of people who can and will help you. Sometimes you even just need someone to talk to. The first year is not easy, but you DON’T have to do it alone. 

10. Have Fun!

The last and probably most important tip of all is to HAVE FUN! While the first year is full of many challenges, lessons, and yes even tears…try to make the most of it and have FUN with your students. You will only have this group of students one time so make the best of it! Be silly, laugh, and enjoy your first year. It only happens once in a lifetime and believe me, it is a year you will NEVER forget.

Are you feeling completely overwhelmed and not sure where to start as a first year teacher? Check out the Beginning of the Year Teacher Survival Guide. This guide goes into extensive detail on how to successfully set up your classroom for the entire year. You’ll learn how to successfully set up your classroom in a way that flows and stays organized, strategies for building a positive classroom community, and all kinds of information on classroom management and instruction! This guide will have you SET and help take some of the stress and pressure off. For a more interactive version, you can check out my brand new Building a Student Centered Classroom HERE!

Beginning of the Year Teacher Survival Guide

I really hope you enjoyed learning 10 must know tips to thrive the first year! Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list! Not only will you get the most up to date tips, tricks, and classroom projects… and of course more fun FREEBIES including the Morning Greetings FREEBIE! You will also have exclusive access to tons of digital how-to videos! If you would like to learn about this and other things happening in my classroom follow me  @sweetnsauerfirsties on Instagram.

To follow me on TPT and get all the latest updates on HALF OFF new products, click HERE!

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A fun place to be apart of the educational journey. Full of all things teaching! The good, the bad, and even the ugly. Join my experiences and subscribe to my email list to get the most up to date tips and tricks.

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It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! 🥳 Grab thi It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! 🥳

Grab this adorable and no prep color by code activity.

It’s an easy and engaging QUIET activity that students can enjoy as morning work, a time filler, fast finisher, or even as homework!

Grab your FREEBIE now with the link on my profile or drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link!

When is your 100th day? Let us know below! ⬇️
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Have you ever tried using stations for the 100th d Have you ever tried using stations for the 100th day of school?!

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Not only do the students love every second but it gives you more time to go around and be with each group of kiddos as they go through the stations and reflect on all their great learning in the first 100 days of school!

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Have you ever tried stations for the 100th day? Let us know below! ⬇️ 
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Have you tried would you rather with students?! I Have you tried would you rather with students?!

It’s an easy, engaging, and NO PREP activity for the 100th day. 

You can easily build in movement by having students jump for answers or run to a side of the room for their choice. 

This is a great activity that can be used as a morning meeting activity or as a timer filler throughout the day. 

The students LOVE the 100th day themed prompts and have a BLAST!

Learn more about this and other easy and engaging 100th day activities with the link on my profile or drop a 🥳 and I’ll share the link!

Thanks for capturing this @mrs.rappsclass 😍
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This though. ❤️ • • • • #elementarytea This though. ❤️
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Want an easy and super engaging activity for the 1 Want an easy and super engaging activity for the 100th day?!

Have students practice recognizing,  writing numbers, and seeing patterns within 120 with a pocket chart seek and find game. 

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This could easily be a whole class activity or a 100th day station.

Learn more about this and other easy and engaging 100th day activities with the link on my profile. You can also drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link with you! 
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Bahaha I am definitely teacher number 2! 😂 Whi Bahaha I am definitely teacher number 2! 😂

Which are you?!
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Well this should be fun! 😝 What is something you say 2451 times a day as a teacher? Let us know below! ⬇️••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teacherfunny #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachergram #teachershare #teacherquotes #teacherhumor #teacherfun #teacherweekend ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer

14 hours ago

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It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! 🥳Grab this adorable and no prep color by code activity.It’s an easy and engaging QUIET activity that students can enjoy as morning work, a time filler, fast finisher, or even as homework!Grab your FREEBIE now with the link on my profile or drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link!When is your 100th day? Let us know below! ⬇️••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teacherhacks #numbersense #makelearningfun #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #colorbycode #teachershare #teacherinspiration #100thday #100thdayofschool ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer

24 hours ago

Lindsay Sauer
Bahahah accurate! 🤣••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teacherhacks #teacherquotes #teachingtips #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherhumor #teachershare #teacherinspiration #teachermemes #teacherfunny #classroommanagement ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer

2 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
Have you tried would you rather with students?!It’s an easy, engaging, and NO PREP activity for the 100th day. You can easily build in movement by having students jump for answers or run to a side of the room for their choice. This is a great activity that can be used as a morning meeting activity or as a timer filler throughout the day. The students LOVE the 100th day themed prompts and have a BLAST!Learn more about this and other easy and engaging 100th day activities with the link on my profile or drop a 🥳 and I’ll share the link!Thanks for capturing this @mrs.rappsclass 😍••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teacherhacks #teacherideas #teachingtips #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #classroomcommunity #teacherinspiration #makelearningfun #100thdayofschool #100thday ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer
This though. ❤️••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers #teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teachingideas #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #primaryteaching #teacherblogger #teachermomlife #teachermom #teachershare #teacherquotes #kindergarten ... See MoreSee Less

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  • Have you been looking for end of year classroom community activities? These classroom community building activities are perfect for your K-2 classroom! I love creating an end of year anchor chart so students can write down their favorite memories of first grade. K-2 students will love the balloon bulletin board countdown with themes. Early elementary students enjoy creating a reflection writing craft, first grade end of year memories, would you rather end of school year game, and much more!
  • If you need some graphing activities for your K-2 classroom, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! I love using the CRA Math Model to help with concrete ideas and engagement in math. One of my favorite graphing lessons in first grade is to do real data collection activities for kids. These graphing lessons are perfect to use in math whole group lessons, math center activities, math independent activities, morning work, fast finishers, and more!
  • Do you hear indoor recess and get nervous? Today, I’m sharing my best teacher tips and tricks! These indoor recess ideas in elementary are easy things like GoNoodle brain break or hands on activities. You can easily get play dough activities, pattern blocks activities, or drawing for kids. Don’t forget your childhood favorite games too! Elementary students love freeze dance game for kids, Simon Says game, four corners game, Heads Up 7 Up game, and more. Set your classroom expectations too!
  • In your early elementary classroom, do you need classroom management strategies? It’s never too late for classroom management ideas to be implemented. I’m sharing classroom management hacks in early elementary. One basic classroom management idea is to review your rules. Shake it up with whole class rewards. Don’t forget kind classroom activities. Fun learning activities for kids can really help. Learn more about my whole group, small group lessons, and center ideas!
  • Are you looking for ways to teach kindness to kids in the classroom? Today, I’m sharing my favorite teacher tips on helping your early elementary students understand kindness in the classroom. Some of my favorite kindness activities for kids is setting expectations and modeling kindness. We love reading, How Full Is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath and more. It’s important to role play ideas for kids in the classroom. Kindness anchor charts are great to create during whole group and small group lessons.
  • Do you hear indoor recess and get nervous? Today, I’m sharing my best teacher tips and tricks! These indoor recess ideas in elementary are easy things like GoNoodle brain break or hands on activities. You can easily get play dough activities, pattern blocks activities, or drawing for kids. Don’t forget your childhood favorite games too! Elementary students love freeze dance game for kids, Simon Says game, four corners game, Heads Up 7 Up game, and more. Set your classroom expectations too!
  • Are you looking for ways to teach kindness to kids in the classroom? Today, I’m sharing my favorite teacher tips on helping your early elementary students understand kindness in the classroom. Some of my favorite kindness activities for kids is setting expectations and modeling kindness. We love reading, How Full Is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath and more. It’s important to role play ideas for kids in the classroom. Kindness anchor charts are great to create during whole group and small group lessons.
  • Do you need some ideas about teaching money to your first grade students? Check out my favorite teaching tips on money for kids. First, have your students watch some BrainPop Jr. videos and books about money for kids. Money anchor charts are fantastic to use during math whole group to better K-2 students' understanding. The CRA Math Model is perfect for understanding money for kids. I also share my favorite math centers like money puzzles, money bingo, and math money games!
  • Have you been looking for end of year classroom community activities? These classroom community building activities are perfect for your K-2 classroom! I love creating an end of year anchor chart so students can write down their favorite memories of first grade. K-2 students will love the balloon bulletin board countdown with themes. Early elementary students enjoy creating a reflection writing craft, first grade end of year memories, would you rather end of school year game, and much more!

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