Back to School – From Bulletin Boards to Backpacks, What Teachers Need
Hello, fellow educators! It’s that time of the year again – back-to-school season! As we gear up to welcome new faces and embrace the familiar ones, let’s make sure we have everything we need to kickstart an incredible academic year. From the seasoned pros to the fresh-faced rookies, every teacher deserves to start the school year with a well-equipped toolkit. So, let’s dive into the top 5 must-haves for teachers to make this back-to-school season the best one yet!
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Classroom Decor
Get those walls looking inviting! Children will likely be more engaged in their studies if they feel comfortable and welcome in the classroom. Start by covering the basics: bright and colorful posters, alphabet and number charts, and a bulletin board for student work. Don’t forget the fun accents like potted plants, throw pillows, and lamps that can also create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Utilize educational décor to stimulate the brain, such as a map to make geography fun or motivational quotes.
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Classroom Setup for Back to School
One of the first things you must do is set up your classroom. This includes everything from arranging desks and chairs to designing bulletin boards and decor. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as poster boards, markers, and glue. Consider where the students will sit and make a seating chart if necessary. Consider your classroom’s lighting, temperature, and noise levels, and think about how you can optimize these things for student learning.
Grab the Free Guide To Classroom Décor with checklists, tips, ideas, and a catalog of décor themes to get you started.
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Curriculum Planning:
Next up on the list is planning. This involves deciding on the topics and concepts you will teach for the year. You should also plan your lessons, including objectives, activities, assessments, and projects. Look up state standards and common core guidelines to ensure you cover all necessary topics adequately. Remember to be flexible and adjust your plans as needed throughout the year. Invest in a planner with room to customize it to your needs.
Have back up plans and activities for fast finishers and subs. See the resources below for some printables to have on hand that make those unexpected moments easier.
Fast and Fabulous Printable Review Board Games
Dusty the Dog Growth Mindset Games
Color by Sound Seasonal Bundle
Dusty and Friends Growth Mindset Coloring Pages and Friendship Activities
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Back to School Classroom Management and Organization
Another essential aspect of a successful year is classroom management and organization. You need to develop a system for students to follow that includes rules, consequences, rewards, and expectations. Set up routines for things like entering the classroom, taking attendance, and turning in homework. Teach and practice procedures for things like lining up, transitioning between activities, and using technology. Establish communication channels with parents and guardians, such as email or newsletters.
This Classroom Organization and Management Set has all you need to keep your room running smoothly.
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Self-Care:
Finally, it’s crucial to take care of yourself as a teacher. This job can be emotionally and physically demanding, and you need to prioritize your own well-being to be at your best. Make time for hobbies and activities outside of work, get enough sleep and exercise, and eat a healthy diet. Set boundaries for work hours and stick to them, so you don’t become burnt out. Having self-care practices can actually make you a more effective teacher as you will be fresh and able to take care of your students’ needs.
Back to school season can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it’s possible to have a successful and enjoyable year. Classroom setup, curriculum planning, classroom management, and self-care are all key elements to focus on as you prepare. Take the time to carefully plan and organize your classroom, lessons, and systems, and prioritize your own well-being. By doing these things, you’ll be setting yourself and your students up for a fantastic year of learning and growth.
Be sure to see these posts:
How Having an Organized Classroom Will Help You Be a Better Teacher
5 Fun Getting to Know You Activities for Back to School
Top 10 Teaching Tips for a New Year