relaxing

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Home : 2008 : March : 6

relaxing
By johnsju

I politely disagree with your teacher about the classical music. I play classical music for my third graders during transitions and "quiet working" times. They love it...I've even caught a few of them humming along to the
music. I actually do it more for me, since it helps me calm down and refocus.

I agree with the previous poster...prepare, prepare, prepare! You really can't ever be too prepared as a teacher. I get super-stressed if I feel like I'm not ready for something, so I've learned to take the time to get myself together for the day BEFORE it actually begins. And don't be afraid to ask for

help/advice/feedback...most teachers will want to help you out. And if you find one who won't help, keep looking!

My group gets really, ridiculously rowdy in the afternoons, and I've finally (after many misses!) hit on something that works. When they get too wound up in the afternoons, I turn off the lights and they close their eyes with their heads on their desks. I tell them to think happy thoughts for 2 minutes. I don't even care if they fall asleep...as long as they're silent for 2 minutes :D Sometimes I'll let them share their happy thoughts, and they love that. I also give them plenty of opportunities to move around. I don't like to sit still for hours at a time, and I know they don't either.

Not sure if that would work for 1st grade, but it's worked wonders with my students. Good luck with your full-time teaching! I was a student teacher last year, and even though it's a stressful time, try to enjoy being in charge for a little while!