8 Simple Tips for New Teachers to Make Your Life Easier

We are here to give you our best tips for new teachers! Being a new primary school teacher can be both exciting and challenging – we know we have been there and still remember what it was like! 

 

As you embark on this fulfilling career, finding ways to streamline your daily tasks and create a more manageable teaching experience is important. This can save you time and a lot of stress in the long run.

 

To help you navigate the hectic life as a new teacher, we’ve compiled 8 simple tips for new teachers that can make your life as an educator easier

 

Establish Clear Classroom Procedures

Our first tip for new teachers is to start the school year by setting clear expectations and routines for your students. Establish procedures for entering and exiting the classroom, transitioning between activities, and handling classroom materials. 

Consistent routines help create a structured environment and allow for smoother transitions throughout the day (and will eventually require less talking from you).

This checklist is found inside our mentorship Transform your First Years.

 

Organise Your Physical and Digital Spaces

Maintain an organised classroom by arranging materials, supplies, and resources in a logical and easily accessible manner is our next tip for new teachers. Implement digital organisation strategies by creating folders.

This saves time when searching for specific materials and helps you stay focused and efficient.

Prioritise Self-Care

Teaching can be demanding, so it’s crucial to prioritise self-care. Set aside time for activities that rejuvenate and energise you, such as exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones. 

Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being and ability to support your students effectively this could be the most important tip for new teachers on this post.

 

We like to remind new teachers to choose one afternoon a week to go home straight after school. make it the same day and part of your routine. Use this time to do something that you enjoy that is not related to school work – For example: Go for a walk or meet a friend for coffee.

 

Collaborate with Colleagues

Connect with your fellow teachers and collaborate on lesson planning, sharing resources, and problem-solving. Building a supportive network of colleagues not only fosters professional growth but also provides opportunities for sharing ideas and reducing individual workloads. 

Tip for New Teachers – Teaching is a team sport!

Embrace Differentiation

Recognise that every student learns differently and has unique needs. Differentiate your instruction by providing varied activities and assessments that cater to different learning styles, abilities, and interests.

This approach helps create an inclusive classroom where all students can thrive.

Streamline Marking and Feedback

Develop a system that simplifies marking and providing feedback. Consider providing specific feedback that focuses on areas of improvement and growth when teaching a specific lesson.

It could be as simple as practising a maths problem one more time or rewriting a sentence with correct punctuation. We also love a personalised stamp to help save time too. 

Plan for Flexibility

Be prepared for unexpected changes by building flexibility into your lesson plans. Have alternative activities, extension tasks and/or fast finisher activities ready if you finish a lesson early or need to adjust your schedule.

Flexibility allows you to adapt to unexpected situations and maximise teaching time.

 

Check out these UNO games for Maths if you are looking for a toolkit of activities. 

Reflect and Adapt

Regularly reflect on your teaching practice and make adjustments as needed. Seek feedback from colleagues, leadership, and even your students to gain insights and improve your instructional approach. 

Embracing a growth mindset and being open to learning ensures continuous professional development and will help you grow into the best teacher you can possibly be.

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Implementing these tips for new teachers can help make your life as a Primary School Teacher so much easier.

And before you go, know you are not alone. We love supporting new teachers here at Rainbow Sky, so make sure you stick around and give us a follow on socials.

 

PS: We have a Podcast especially for New Teachers. Check out Rainbow Skies for New Teachers here.

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