First Year 2nd Grade Teacher Pointers?

Question:I just accepted a 2nd grade teaching position literally minutes ago. I am completely thrilled! I would just like some tips from other educators who have a ton of experience or who have just had a few years under their belt. I've looked at a couple websites when searching the net specializing in "What to do on the first day of school." I'm familiar with Harry Wong and his book as well. I would love some first-hand tips and do's and don'ts for a new teacher. Thank you!



Answers:
I have been teaching for 5 years. Last year I moved to a new school and taught 2nd grade for the first time. My best piece of advice is to work with your teammates. If possible, email or call them towards the end of the summer (or even now) to find out what they do the first few days of school. I would just do what they do. You will be spending most of your time before the kids start by setting up your classroom and familiarizing yourself with your teacher manuals. More experienced teachers don't need to do this and can spend more time planning. You might not have the time to do that. So stick with what the 2nd grade team does on those first few days.

I know at my school we are expected to start teaching the curriculum the first day of school. So a lot of the first day is taken care of. Other things we do that first week are going over classroom rules and procedures, unpacking supplies, playing a few "get to know you" games. You should already have a plan of how you want to handle classroom supplies. What will students keep at their desks? What will you collect and use as classroom supplies? How will they turn in completed work? How will you check HW? All of those little things can make a world of difference. If you have a good team they will be happy to help you out and give you lots of suggestions.

Good luck! 2nd grade is great!
Be creative, be entertaining, and be patient. Keep those things in your mind every day and the kids will love you and learn a lot.
I am also a first year second grade teacher. Like you, I am thrilled and nervous. Our school emphasizes collaboration with other teachers. I also want to subscribe to a listserve for elementary teachers. I belonged to a listserve for librarians when I worked at our public library and it was a big help. Another thing you could do, if you haven't already, is take a look at the standards you are required to teach this year and familiarize yourself with them, maybe even begin to gather materials that would help you as you introduce the standards. One aspect I have really been concerned with is classroom management. I found this website that has oodles of information. Good luck!!
http://www.mspowell.com/

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