FYFF- 2 Peas and a Dog

This week Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog has advice: 

Introduction:

Thank you for considering me for your teacher feature.

I have been teaching for five and half years in Ontario, Canada. I started my career in a Special Education classroom and have moved into teaching rotary subjects. Over the years I have taught many different subjects including: Library, English, Math, Science, Health, Computers, Geography and History to both Grade 7 and 8 students.

Best Tip for Management:

The best classroom management tip is to get to know your students. They are not just a name on a class list. Greet them at the door when they arrive, and send them to their next class with a good bye at the door. Students like teachers who can relate/make connections between curriculum and topics of interest to them.

Must Have School Supply:

Sticky Notes and Highlighters

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

http://teachingisagift.blogspot.ca/
http://middleschoolteachertoliteracycoach.blogspot.ca/
http://theautismhelper.com/

How to stay organized?

I write my day plans in pencil and then finalize them in pen. I also photocopy all of my sheets for a unit at the same time. That way I do not have to run to the photocopy room daily. I have photos of my organization system here:

Stress Management Advice:

Network with other teachers both professionally and socially. It is important that you keep up your hobbies and passions even when the marking and planning load seems to be the size of a cruise ship.

Interview Tip:

Practice and rehearse your answers to common interview questions first in a mirror, then in front of a peer who can provide constructive feedback.

Advice for first year of Teaching:

Start brainstorming report card comments early and keep really detailed anecdotal notes to make writing learning skills easier.


* I had to write report cards for my long term subs and this is definitely some great advice! There are some great books out there as well to help with this!

Want to check out more of Kristy, here are some links to her blog, Pinterest, store:

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/2peasandadog/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2peasandadog/ 
TPT Store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/2peasandadog 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2peasandadog

Want to be featured?  Click on First Year Friday Form at the top! I'd love to have you! 

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FYFF- Luckeyfrog's Lilypad!

I'm so excited for our guest blogger this week!  I have read her blog and have gotten so much advice!  Especially for first year teachers!  She even had a fabulous series!

This week Jenny from Luckeyfrog's Lilypad has tips for you!

Introduction:

Hi! I'm teaching 3rd grade this year. Last year I taught 2nd in my own classroom after two years as an interventionist. Science is my favorite subject to teach, and I love integrating science and social studies across the curriculum!

Best Tip for Management:

An amazing teacher once told me that the best classroom management plan is a great lesson plan, and I completely agree. If kids are engaged and they have something to focus on doing at all times, it leaves very little room for misbehavior.

But that's not enough on its own!

I also think it's important to be consistent, but also to give kids a chance to redeem themselves after misbehavior. You don't want a kid to get to 'red' and then give up for the day. I really like the clip chart for this, but there are plenty of ways to do it!
 

Must Have School Supply:

Chart paper! I couldn't teach without anchor charts.
 

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

  Sunny Days in Second Grade

 

Fun in Room 4B

How to stay organized?

Staying organized is my biggest challenge, but I use a teacher binder and a customized lesson plan format to keep myself organized. My lesson plan pages save me SO much time, and the teacher binder helps me keep important things out of piles and easy to take with me.

Stress Management Advice:

Don't be afraid of a schedule that will help you plan and copy some things ahead of time. For instance, my homework follows the same basic format each week, so it's easy for me to plan and copy it weeks in advance and save myself some stress later!

Interview Tip:

Research the school's website beforehand. Look for ways that your experience can match the things they already do and the challenges they already have, and practice weaving these into your answers. (I like to do this out loud in the car on the way there.) This can also help you come up with questions to ask at the end of the interview, too, and show that you have a real interest in THEIR school, not just any job!
 

Advice for first year of Teaching:

I wish I knew it was okay to rely on a schedule and not have EVERY lesson be an all-star. Routine is okay, as long as the routine activities are good ones, and it will give you enough time and energy to do the amazing lessons once in awhile.

 

Thanks for the amazing advice Jenny!

You can find more of Jenny by checking out her links below:

blog: http://luckeyfrogslilypad.blogspot.com/

store: http://teacherspayteachers.com/store/luckeyfrog

*She has some GREAT FREEBIES at her store!

facebook: http://facebook.com/luckeyfrogslilypad

* She just wrote a great post about how to set up your own FB page :)

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/luckeyfrog

 

 

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I started my own FB page and am looking for friends if you want you can follow me here!

 

Don't forget to check out this awesome freebie collection! Happy Birthday TBA!

 

 

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FYFF- First Grade Fabulosity!

Advice from real teachers - the best kind if you ask me!




This Friday we have Carly from 

First Grade Fabulosity 

Introduction:

Hi! I teach second grade (my blog still says 1st grade from last year), I've taught kindergarten for 2 years, First Grade for 2 years, and this is my first year to teach Second Grade.

:)

Best Tip for Management:

I use a clip chart that allows students to move up and down. Positive reinforcement is just as, if not more, important that negative consequences. Constantly pointing out those students that are following directions and going above and beyond is very important and really helps cut down on the negative behaviors. :)

Also, making students responsible for their behavior. For example, before leaving the classroom the line must be quiet. I don't keep shouting at them, "Stop talking, stop talking" I make sure that I say, "We will leave the classroom when you are quiet" or while at the carpet.."I will begin teaching the lesson when you are being good listeners" :)

Must Have School Supply:

sticky notes!! You can never have too many! I use them for lessons all the time!

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

First Grade Parade, What the Teacher Wants, Clutter Free Classroom, Hello Literacy, Heather's Heart, and so many more!

How to stay organized?

I try to make a place for everything in my little teacher corner. I have drawers for loose papers that need to be filed, copied, graded, etc.. I also have a basket for papers that students return from home for various school wide events and what not. Basically, everything has a place! That way I don't have stacks of papers lying all over my computer desk and small group table!

I also have a mini clipboard that I keep with me with a notepad for any little notes that I may need to make to remind myself of later.... This definitely helps for finishing up things at the end of the day and making sure not to forget things.

Stress Management Advice:

I know that I always feel like when I have a great idea that I need to create it right now! That day! I am trying to realize myself that it doesn't have to be instant. I need to learn to manage my time so that I am not stressed and I can get things done in a reasonable amount of time.

Talk with other teachers. I love to vent about my stresses with my teammates. As long as it isn't about other teachers, of course. No gossip. That just leads to trouble. Talking with other teachers can usually help lessen the weight on your shoulders and can sometimes give you different perspectives for any problems you may have.

Interview Tip:

I would say, don't feel like you can't take a second to think about a question. If they give you a hard question, take a few seconds to think before answering. I have been on a couple of interviews that seem like firing squads...question after question after question...no relaxing discussions. I always come out sweating! BUT I think that I always tried my best to slow down and take my time so that I didn't get flustered!

Advice for first year of Teaching:

hmmmmm.... so hard! I learn so many new things EACH year! I guess I would say this about parent conferences.... Take and keep lots and lots of data and notes on your students. AND Don't let the parents make you feel like you are insignificant or don't know what you are doing. When I first starting teaching I was very nervous about talking with parents. I have learned now that I need to show confidence to parents so that they realize that they can't walk all over me. I make sure I sit at a higher chair than them during conferences ( it really works) and that I have plenty of examples and notes to show them about their student. Having a lot of data and notes is very important when covering your little hiney if parents complain. They can't fight your evidence. You won't always have those kinds of parents, but you never know when you will! 

Check out Carly's blog and TPT store for more!

Thanks for your advice, Carly.  I love your note about parents something often overlooked when you focus on students all day long!

Want to be featured, click "First Year Friday Form" at the top!

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FYFF- Savvy in Second Grade

I'm linking up with my first Five for Friday! 

This week we have fabulous Katie from Savvy in Second Grade!  

Introduction:
I've been teaching for 5 years, but this is my first year in 2nd grade (I was in Kinder before). It is almost like starting all over again (but not quite). The first two years are always so tough!

Best Tip for Management:

Find the style that works for you. Think honestly about what kind of classroom YOU work best in and don't try to just copy your neighbor. Your colleagues/mentor teachers may have different needs. For example, I am someone who needs to have a lot of procedures. There is a "way" to do everything in the class. Other teachers might like students to have more autonomy. I don't mind talking during centers, other teachers need quiet most of the time in the classroom. Neither way is "better," it is just about what makes me feel comfortable and productive.

Must Have School Supply:

Binder Clips

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

http://thepriceofteaching.blogspot.com/





  http://thephonicsphenomenon.blogspot.com/

How to stay organized?

1. My centers are organized by season and discipline (Word Work, Poerty etc) in portable filing bins.

2. I have rainbow drawers that are labeled by day of the week and extra materials. I put everything I need for Monday in the Monday drawer and all extra materials in the correct drawer.

3. Binder clips keep my guided reading books together. Books are organized by level in plastic boxes

4. I label EVERYTHING. All things have a space.

Stress Management Advice:
Try to exercise immediately after work. If I go home, I'm done! Running has kept me sane.

Interview Tip:

Research the school as much as possible before you interview. Find out their philosophy, whether or not they have had any recent (or upcoming special events), see if they have been in the newspaper. If you show you know a lot about the school, they interviewer can begin to picture you as part of the staff

What a great idea! The internet and local papers of if you know the area can really help give you an edge.

Advice for first year of Teaching:

Focus on one (or two) things at a time. As a new teacher you are not going to be everything you want in your first year. Creating all those amazing lessons, classroom management skills, and strategies takes time. Focus on the most important first and with each year create new goals. For example, my first year I focused on classroom management and understanding the standards. The next year I worked on my guided reading strategies and assessment. If you focus on a few things at a time you can make a lot of progress and feel accomplished. Try to do too much and you will feel overwhelmed and unsuccessful.

I love this idea of manageable goals- that really makes sense for new teachers!

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Want to be featured?  Click on First Year Friday Form at the top! I'd love to have you! 

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I'm loving my First Year Teacher Advice, I'll count that as #1 when I link up with



2. I loved this activity we did here! 


OU/OW word practice with a freebie ------->

3.  I am addicted to Starburst Jelly Beans!!  They are fantastic and I cannot stop eating them, curse this time of year!




4. This is the first time I got to plan holiday activities for a classroom.  Here is a picture of the craft we did.

Click here for the full post!.

5. Last, I learned how to make long pins for Pinterest!!!   I'm way behind I know...well I did one for my art projects, think you would use them for teaching products?!

I could do a tutorial if anyone is interested - its super easy!

Click the pic to see it in action!!

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FYFF- Texas Sized Teaching and St. Paddy's FREEBIE!

Another Friday!

This week we have Jenny from Texas Sized Teaching offering up advice for new teachers! She has some awesome tips read on to find out more!

Introduction:

I have been a 7th grade Texas History teacher for 9 years. Prior to teaching Texas History, I worked as a P.E. teacher, Alternative Classroom teacher, and did my student teaching in U.S. History. Besides my teaching role, I am also an Academic Team Leader, History Department Head, and teaching mentor. I have previously taught several professional development classes, including a Teaching with Love & Logic class, Interactive Notebooking class, and an introduction to History Alive.

Best Tip for Management:

Management is very personal; there is no one right style. However, you do need to come into the classroom with a definite plan and "mean business." If you say it, you must enforce it; so think carefully about what your consequences! Also, don't forget that you are the adult; sometimes it's overwhelming to see so many faces staring at you, but you are the boss!

Must Have School Supply:

file folders -- super useful for SO many things!

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)

I don't read a lot of blogs for teaching ideas, but I do love to search TpT to see all of the creativity out there!

Her store:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Texas-sized-Teaching 

She has some really creative items and I love how cute her store looks!

How to stay organized?

I have developed several different systems over the years. My main technique, though, is to sort through everything at the end of the day so my classroom is always neat when I come in the morning. Also, I require my students to keep the classroom neat and tidy, making less overall work for me.

Stress Management Advice:

Don't try to do it all. Know that Mrs. Perfect down the hall didn't get that way overnight! Do your best and know that we all make mistakes. Don't forget to take time out for yourself, too!

Interview Tip:

Try to think through all of the typical interview questions ahead of time (so you have some idea what to say), but be yourself. Don't try to "have all of the answers." Most people will come in and try to present themselves as the ideal candidate--you be the REAL candidate. Let them know that if you come across a situation you're not sure how to handle that you will turn to others for help.

Advice for first year of Teaching:


College doesn't prepare you for the classroom at all. Even observations didn't prepare me. If I knew how little I knew...well, I would have volunteered every spare hour in the classroom, soaking up advice from veteran teachers. Learning from others in the profession taught me more in 6 months than I got in my entire college career.


Seriously I'm loving how inspired I am already!!!  Her interview tips is OUTSTANDING! Perfectly worded, something I forget quite a bit of the time, but it makes total sense!

Want more of Jenny?! Check out her store here!  Want to be a guest blogger fill out the form at the top- I'd LOVE to have you!


Don't forget to check out my new Amusing Adjective Activities - we have been having so much fun with these!!!

Because you have read this far check out the FREEBIE below!

Working on compound words?! Check out this rainbow themed FREEBIE I worked on for the upcoming holiday! 

Click below to get your copy! Simply match the rainbows together to form compound words and record on a separate sheet of paper.


Thanks for being awesome followers- I'm really feeling the love lately!

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FYFF- Science in the City

My first First Year Friday Feature, how awesome! I'm already excited about the responses that I have been reading so far! 

This week we have Tara from Science in the City!  Check out her advice for first year teachers and what could work for you!   She has some awesome science resources and ways to use not only that but technology on her blog.  Use the button below to check her out!

Introduction:
 

I teach middle school science now (2 years), I have taught high school Earth Science and AP Environmental science for 5 years previously. I have also been an adjunct for 3 semester at a local college for an introductory geology/env. science course.

Best Tip for Management:
 

- Have a good plan and backup plan
- keep the kids engaged
- use classdojo??
- Be flexible.

Don't know what ClassDojo is? Click here!



 

 

 

Must Have School Supply:

tape
 

 

Blogs I follow (and you might want to as well ;)


Science Penguin
Science Teacher Resources

 

How to stay organized?

A constant running to do list, folders for many things

 

Stress Management Advice:

exercise, even if you think you don't have time.
Try to set one block of time or one day that you don't do any work at home.

 

Interview Tip:

Have specific examples of what you can do for their school. And be confident!

 

Advice for first year of Teaching:

 Every lesson doesn't have to be like the ones you were asked to do in grad school. Its perfectly ok to have an easier day

A constant running to do list is my BEST FRIEND! I literally do not know what I would do without it!  I love the advice of having an easier day, sometimes you just have to go with it!

Want to be a guest blogger yourself? All you have to do is click "First Year Friday FORM" at the top of the page!  I'd love to have you!



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My very first Guest Blogger!

I have been non-stop traveling since Christmas Day....whew and won't be back for awhile yet, so I asked an awesome blogger to be my very first guest blogger!  I was blown away, literally BLOWN AWAY- by her blog and resources so far!!! Just like this one!

SERIOUSLY- one of the cutest and most awesomely put together FREEBIES I've ever seen!!!

You must go check out her blog!

Without further ado, Kayla, from Meet Miss Parker!

Hi everyone! Kayla Parker here from Meet Miss Parker at www.meetmissparker.blogspot.com! I am so excited to be a guest blogger for Amber while she is away. I met Amber through blogging just a few months ago. Thanks to her, I am finally getting the swing of things with the blogging world. I have started making my own teaching resources and made my first few sales on teacherspayteachers. Even though it isn’t much, I am still excited! It doesn’t take much to excite me though. For Christmas, I got lots of teaching materials and children’s books and I was happier than a 6 year old in a candy shop! I guess Santa thought I was good all year. Also, lucky for me, my brother got me a desk plate for my desk when I eventually get my first teaching job (hopefully, sooner rather than later!). I guess I got a little spoiled this year, and I hope everyone else did too. With all your hard work this year teaching so far, I hope Santa got you all what you wanted. (If not, there is always next year, and as we know time flies so that will come quick!) Either way, the New Year is already around the corner and I have been thinking a lot about my resolution. I have gone through the typical eat healthier and get my butt to the gym more kind of resolutions, but this year I was trying to come up with a resolution that is, well, better. So, with the Newtown tragedy that recently occurred, I have been trying to do 26 acts of kindness in memory of those beautiful children. So far I have done 6. I bought presents for 4 families for Christmas this year who couldn’t afford gifts, bought snacks for some kids waiting outside a store for the new Jordan sneakers to be released (boy, were they happy!), and I paid for the car behind me in the line at my local coffee shop. It feels really good to do something nice for someone else! Therefore, I have decided to not stop after my 26 acts of kindness and instead try to do nice things for others throughout the year. Now that is a resolution I can be proud of! With the way this world has been lately, we need more kindness in this world and I am glad to be a part of it.

Well, I guess I better stop writing and start packing. I am going to visit family tomorrow in New Jersey for New Year’s and I haven’t packed a single thing. Thanks for checking out my post, and again, thank you Amber for having me be a guest blogger! I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year and please swing by and visit my blog! I would love to meet you all! Happy blogging!!!

Kayla Parker

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