take it one step at a time

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2008 : February : 15

take it one step at a time
By mvamy

TeachwLove,
First of all remember you are a SAINT for teaching first grade. It's a challenge, but an exciting one. (I teach 2nd) The best advice I got when I was a first year teacher is to choose one area of the curriculum
and do it really well. It really helped me focus. The multi-tasking gets much easier (until you get older and start forgetting why you were on your way to the copy machine).
If you get get a fairly predictable structure to your day, it will make you and the kids feel better. It's not a bad thing to break everything down and be directive in first grade. As they learn the basic

tools you're giving them, they'll get more independent.
It does take about 3 years at a grade level to feel really confident. Hang in there and keep asking for help from people you view as mentors.