5 Tips For Back to School

It’s that time of year again! For many teachers around the country, school has already started or is on the verge of starting. There is so much to prepare for back to school. It’s likely that you’re already feeling overwhelmed and under prepared for the new school year. If you feel that way, don’t worry! You definitely aren’t along. However, there are some simple back to school tips that can help you enter into the new school year confidently. Here are four:

Start Fresh

It’s important to start fresh for the new school year. When you think “back to school,” you should automatically think about starting fresh. It’s the beginning of a new season, new school year, and meeting new students. There are several practical ways to start fresh. First, you should buy a new planner. A new school year means new school supplies! Clear out all of your old lessons, reorganize your classroom supplies, and remember that every class is different and deserves a fresh approach.

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Connect with other teachers

Having a strong support system at school is crucial for the new school year, In fact, it might be the most helpful back to school tip I have! Connect with other teachers in any way that you can. Follow them on social media, participate in school committees, strike up a conversation when you see them running around campus preparing for the new year...everything helps! When you have other teachers in your corner, it makes the back to school season exciting and much less scary.

Procedures and Routines

Classroom procedures and routines need to be drilled into students’ heads at the beginning of the school year so they stick for the rest of the year. Prioritize spending significant time in the first few weeks teaching (and reminding!) your students about your classroom procedures and routines. Every teacher is different and the sooner they get used to how you run your classroom, the faster they will adjust. Remember that the back to school season is overwhelming for them too! Routine and structure can help alleviate the fear of the unknown.

Make it fun

Make the first few weeks back to school fun! Yes, the whole year should be fun, but the first few weeks are the most crucial. This is the time when you are just getting to know your students and they are just getting to know you! You are likely a bit anxious about teaching a whole new class and the students are undoubtedly feeling the same way about having a new and unfamiliar teacher. So make the back to school season fun and exciting! Put in the extra effort to create engaging lessons that your students will love.

The last back to school tip is to relax. It’s no secret that preparing for the new school year is stressful and time-consuming. However, you need to get enough rest so that you can show up on the first day refreshed and ready to go. Don’t worry too much about the small back to school details. Instead, find a new and exciting routine that works for you- and stick to it.

Hopefully these tips can help you start your school year off with a bang! Whether you feel underprepared or ready to meet your new class, these tips can help you stay positive and feel supported throughout the year. While these tips are designed for the back to school season, they can help you at any point in the school year. Never underestimate the power of a few simple back to school tips!  

Happy Teaching!  

Stephanie