Hey there, fellow educators! It’s that time of the year againβback-to-school season! As you prepare to dive into a new academic adventure with your students, I have a bunch of playful and practical teacher tips to help you kick off the year with a big smile on your face. Whether you’re a fresh-faced newbie or a seasoned pro, these tips will have your classroom buzzing with excitement. Check it out below!
Channel your inner DJ
Music sets the tone for a fantastic day. Create a playlist that suits different moods and activities throughout the day. Energize your students in the morning, mellow out during independent work time, and pump up the volume for some Friday dance parties!
Embrace the power of goofy
Laughter is the best classroom glue. Don’t be afraid to let your inner goofball shine! Crack a silly joke, wear a funny hat, or start a random dance party. Infusing humor into your lessons creates a positive and engaging learning environment and fosters an amazing classroom community!
Spice up routines with surprises
While routines are essential, it doesn’t hurt to throw in some surprises now and then. Maybe a spontaneous outdoor lesson or a surprise guest speaker? Surprise elements keep students on their toes and make each day memorable. Hang on to these surprises for days when students might be especially squirrely; it will refocus them.
Cultivate a safe space for questions
Encourage curiosity by fostering an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. Create a “Wonder Wall” where students can post questions that pop into their minds. Dedicate time to exploring these questions together. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question!
Use some of my Calm Pastel Bundle full of printables to create a safe space for students to share. Use the bulletin boards to display the “Wonder Wall” or classroom projects.
Make learning interactive
Ditch the monotony of textbooks and worksheets. Instead, incorporate hands-on activities, group projects, and educational games. Learning through play not only boosts engagement but also enhances critical thinking and creativity.
Celebrate small victories
Recognize and celebrate the achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Display a “Wall of Fame” showcasing student accomplishments or create a token system to reward effort, improvement, and positive behavior. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence and motivation.
Foster a growth mindset
Teach your students the power of “yet.” Encourage them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and emphasize the importance of perseverance. When students believe they can learn and improve, they become more resilient and eager to take on new challenges. Try using these Growth Mindset posters to encourage students to think forward!
Organize your space
When you go to set up your classroom, be sure to use plenty of organization. Get cheap bins from the Dollar Store to store lesson plans, books, manipulatives, and other materials you need day to day. Use the Drawer Cart Organizer Labels to keep paperwork off your desk. Grab the Bin Labels to make sure students know where everything goes.
Create a classroom community
Help your students forge strong connections with one another. Plan team-building activities, group discussions, and collaborative projects. A supportive classroom community not only enhances learning but also helps students develop empathy and social skills.
Connect with parents and guardians
Establish open lines of communication with parents and guardians from the start. Send out a welcome letter, organize parent-teacher conferences, or even create a class blog or newsletter. Collaboration between home and school creates a powerful support system for your students. Use the Calm Pastel Newsletter templates to communicate with families!
Take care of yourself
As dedicated teachers, we often forget to prioritize our own well-being. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup! Find time for self-care, practice mindfulness, and make sure you have a support network to lean on. Taking care of yourself allows you to bring your best self into the classroom.
So, my fellow teachers, let’s make this back-to-school season one for the books! Embrace your playful side, create magical moments, and cultivate a love for learning. With these tips up your sleeve, you’re sure to create an unforgettable experience for both yourself and your students. Cheers to an incredible year ahead!
P.S. Don’t forget to give yourself a high-five and a pat on the backβyou’re doing an amazing job!
You may also like these fun posts from the past!
- 5 Reasons the Classroom Environment is Critical to Student Success
- 3 Cute Meet the Teacher Templates for Back to School
- 5 Unique September Bulletin Board Ideas
