Dear we are teachers,
It’s my first year as a teacher and school starts on Monday. After thinking thoroughly about last semester’s problems during break, I felt I needed to follow the instructions and do a major classroom reset for my 5th graders. Are there any specific steps, practices, routines, etc. you would recommend to avoid doing the same thing 8 million times this semester?
—Let’s get down to business.
Dear LGDTB
Ah, 5th graders. A large dog on the elementary school campus. Their prefrontal cortex just isn’t as developed as it is in their third year of high school.
Here’s a huge list of the best 5th grade classroom management ideas and 38 essential classroom routines and steps you’ll definitely want to check out. However, two steps I recommend drilling multiple times on the first day are 1) transitions between activities and 2) managing noise levels. In my experience, these provide the greatest benefits in terms of classroom management.
For each step, lay out exactly how you want students to behave in up to three steps. (Example: “When the timer goes off, stop what you’re doing, look at me, and wait for instructions.”) Then have students practice, no matter how silly it may seem. Invite everyone to actively participate in a task or conversation, and practice the steps until everyone is perfect. Then repeat every day until it becomes established. (Even if you need a reminder in the future!)
There will always be a few miscreants who will pretend not to understand the procedure or who will insist on not following it. you say in a friendly manner. We understand that some of you may need additional practice with this new procedure. I would be happy to pick you up during your lunch break and practice the steps with you. Just to be clear, this is practice, not punishment. You can also eat lunch. ‘It’s really amazing how quickly they master it after that. 😉
Dear we are teachers,
A pipe burst in my room during winter break and everything in the classroom had to be thrown out. I take everything seriously. The moldy classrooms had some furniture and equipment left to dry, so we literally had to start over. Fortunately, our custodian discovered the problem just before the new year and my wonderful department helped me get the classroom ready for the children. But having to spend half my recess time in the classroom setting up new technology and copying all my old documents was, and still is, exhausting and stressful. Is there a reframe for this? 2025 feels like the spookiest start.
–Burst is the worst.
Dear BITW,
When disaster befalls me and I need sympathy, I have learned to ask my husband frankly, “Do you have pity on me?” You can confidently say that the teacher, reading your situation, feels sorry for you. We hope that our collective condolences and compassion will heal his heart even a little.
Here are some ideas to reframe this situation.
First, when you’re tempted to start the new year in a pipe-bursting direction, switch to this mantra instead: How lucky am I to have so much generosity from my team, such hard work from my management, so much support from management? I’ll take on anything. ”
Also, plan a long weekend getaway now to enjoy some time to catch your breath. I spoke with the principal. they approved it.
Dear we are teachers,
I’m in the middle of my first year teaching 7th grade and I love it. Here’s what I don’t like: It feels like a new student arrives every week, either within the school or from a transfer school. Each class requires a significant amount of class time to familiarize students, explain rules and procedures, ensure they understand the content, and create login information. . Is there any way to streamline this process this semester to “onboard” new students so to speak?
–New student, no problem.
Dear NPNP
Of course, efficiency can also be achieved! Next time you have a new student, say this. “Max, I need some help. I’m trying to make it easier for new students to settle into my class. I’ll be taking notes as I go through the setup, but I’d appreciate any feedback on how I can make things easier. Can I have it? Thank you.
Once you have a master list of rules, routines, procedures, syllabus, etc., digitize it. Place it in a Google folder (ideally in Google Classroom) and easily share it with new students. Create a document called “Start Here”. The document should include a short welcome letter, an email, and three lists: “What I need to do today,” “What I need to do by the end of the week,” and “What I need to do when I have time.” Next, divide the tasks for your students in order of priority. You can include short quizzes or Google Forms to check understanding.
Ask your class to help as well. Assign a new student assistant to each class. Have current students create Google Slides or videos of their daily routines and procedures and add them to the new students’ Google folder. You may also find this helpful: Each student contributes a slide to a “Get To Know Us” presentation that includes a photo, name, and some interesting facts. You can then add new students as well.
Have a burning question? Email us at askweareTeachers@weareTeachers.com.
Dear we are teachers,
I really, really don’t want to go back to school. This is my seventh year of teaching at a high school. Typically, I use the first half of my break to recharge (alone time, movies, sleep), and the second half to be sociable and festive. But this time I have very little energy and the thought of school starting next week makes me want to cry. I’m not thinking about quitting, and I basically like my job. Is it possible to find motivation from anywhere?
— don’t make me
