Use this free printable teacher questionnaire to get to know the teacher. Find out exactly what to give the for birthday, Christmas and end of year gifts.
This is such an exciting time of year - all around the world millions of children are getting ready for their first day of ‘big school.’ (And if they have a uniform, we can be sure they’re popping it on at every opportunity!). Of course, millions of teachers are also behind the scenes, getting ready to welcome these little ones into their classrooms. It’s only natural that many children will feel nervous and unsure, so what can we do to help them feel welcome? So glad you asked, metaphorical reader! Here are three of my favourite tips for introducing yourself to your students. And the best part is, these tips count whether your students are in their first year or final year of school. Nothing says welcome like a little rainbow decor! Create a Meet the Teacher Flyer One super simple way to introduce yourself to your students and parents is to create a ‘Meet the Teacher’ flyer. This gorgeous letter can be emailed or posted before the school year starts, so the students can get a sense of the (amazing!) teacher they’re about to meet. Miss Zienter and Ms Riso got the memo with their Boho Rainbow templates. Gorgeous images via @misszandthefirsties @teachingwithms.riso. My ‘Meet the Teacher’ templates are available in a range of different designs and aesthetics to match your overall classroom theme. In the flyer I’ve made space to list some facts about you, your favourite things and a meaningful quote, but you can really take it in any direction. They’re fully editable (no fancy software required - Powerpoint will do!) so you can communicate the things that are important to you. This is always one of my favourite things to make - that’s the Boho Rainbow collection on the left, and my new Boho Plants collection on the right! As a fun bonus, why not send a blank copy for your student to fill out and return to you! It’ll give you a head start on knowing them, and they’ll love that you’re excited to meet them too. Just change the heading to ‘My name is’ and you’re good to go! Host a Meet and Greet Another popular idea at many schools is to host a ‘meet the teacher’ evening where parents and students come in to meet you. These can be a little nerve-wracking the first few times, but BFF - I’ve got your back! Talk about a warm welcome - SUCH a stunning space from @miss_grosse_! My biggest tip is to prepare a fantastic slideshow to kick off the evening. Use it to introduce yourself, share your values and provide and insight into the kind of teacher they’re entrusting their kid’s ones to. Share details of what parents and students can expect from you, and really use it as a chance to start building trust with the children and parents. Absolutely adore the way your slideshow matches your decor, @miss_grosse_! I have a range of different Google Slides templates that work perfectly for this, and they just so happen to match my classroom decor ranges. These little details - like a cohesive aesthetic and slide decks with a little extra personality - can really showcase the effort, care and attention you bring to your work. No matter your aesthetic, there are Google Slides to match! The slide templates are completely customizable, so you can photos, videos, illustrations or anything you like. Approach this kind of session as an investment - the more you can reassure parents that their children are in great hands, the more you can avoid situations where they may otherwise assume the worst. A little extra effort now may just prevent a few of those kind of emails later! Love the Boho Vibes in these shots. Right hand image via the wonderful @firstieswithmissm. After your slideshow you’ll likely have a Q&A session, or time to mingle with the parents 1:1. So, I’d recommend having some fun play stations ready to occupy the children. Now I’m not talking about PlayStations (though I’m sure the kids would love that!) but little discovery setups that encourage tangible play-based learning. Set up sensory stations where they can dig for hidden ‘bones’, or reading nooks where they can curl up with a book. The spaces we create form part of our first impressions - wouldn’t you feel so welcomed by @kelseyholloway’s reading nook, and @myteacherlibrarianlife’s Affirmation Station? Clever, play-based learning stations present yet another opportunity for parents to see that they’ve won the teacher lottery with you. Don’t you just love the brilliant play station via @teachingwithmissblechynden and the Boho Plant reading zone via @mrslanderlearns? And much like sneaking veggies into kids’ dinners, you can even plant a fun little writing exercise to provide a benchmark for comparison later in the year. Consider Personalised Accommodations There are some really powerful actions you can take to support neurodivergent children before they start the school year, that will set you both up for success. One simple action is to invite the child and their parents to the classroom (perhaps right before the info night) and ask them to choose their own seat. Have you sorted out your welcome displays or name tags yet? For Autistic children and children with ADHD, their position in the classroom can make a big difference to their comfort, ability to focus and their resultant performance. Similarly, seeking their input when choosing appropriate chairs, desks and sensory tools is really important. When everything has a place? Magic happens. And when that place is beautiful? Even better! I also find that labels are helpful for orienting children - whether it’s helping them find their chair, office supplies in a trolley, their reading group books or little stationery items. A little real life label-inspo via @i_spy.mrs_i and the Boho Rainbow range! These kind of simple accommodations show children (and parents) that they’re entering an inclusive, safe and tailored classroom. And there’s no better introduction than that! These may be my favourite labels ever! I hope these tips help BFFs! Whether you’re brand new to teaching or a little more seasoned, it’s safe to say we all want to make a great first impression. Take a browse through my resources to see how I can help you save time, and if you get stuck, reach out via my socials - I’m always here to help!
"What is your best advice for a first year teacher?" This is by far one of my most frequently asked questions I get in my direct messages. And it always takes me back to my experience as a first year teacher. I made lots of mistakes along the way. And there are things I wish I
First-year teacher advice: How to prepare for your first year of teaching, how to decorate your classroom, what to do on the first day of school, and more!
End of year reflection for teachers is key for making changes and celebrating the positives. This post shares ideas for reflecting on the end of the year.
Use this free printable teacher questionnaire to get to know the teacher. Find out exactly what to give the for birthday, Christmas and end of year gifts.
Genius ideas that make these last days manageable and fun.
Are you a teacher needing A Letter From Your Teacher on the Last Day of School activities? Here's a book companion for the end of the year.
Trying to figure out how to prepare for your first teaching job is tough. I get that, I've been there! Here's help.
Hey hey, teacher friend!! Oh MY, congratulations on landing a teaching job! I’m so INCREDIBLY stoked for you. I remember that feeling and it’s so SO good. Whether it’s your first classroom or maybe you’re going back after being away for a bit, either way that’s super exciting and I know you’re goi
I so remember my first year as a new teacher! I wondered why I was even hired! (Did they not know that I didn't have a clue how to do ‘this teacher thing'?!) Yes, I had graduated with a degree, a teaching certificate, and had an idealistic philosophy of education (that had no basis in research […]
Hey hey, teacher friend!! Oh MY, congratulations on landing a teaching job! I’m so INCREDIBLY stoked for you. I remember that feeling and it’s so SO good. Whether it’s your first classroom or maybe you’re going back after being away for a bit, either way that’s super exciting and I know you’re goi
This shopping guide shares 25 classroom essentials that every first year teacher needs to be confident and prepared to begin the school year.
In this blogpost, my wonderful beginning teachers will share their experiences of managing the teacher workload.
Download a free printable instead of buying or creating a gift for your students. Children will treasure the poem from their teacher for years to come!
Sharing with you these 10 not-so-obvious quotes for teachers. These are the ones you haven't seen a million times on Pinterest!
If I could tell myself 10 things as a first year teacher, this would be it! Try these 10 tips for a smooth first year of teaching.
How has your summer vacation been going? Mine has been both relaxing and busy at the same time. I have been working like a busy bee planning for my mid-August nuptials! If you follow me on Instagram, then you’re definitely up to date on all things wedding! I’ve also been making more of an effort...
This free printable All about Me worksheet is a fun activity for preschool and kindergarten kids. PDF template available in color and B&W
This free printable teacher planner is an excellent resource for staying organized. Calling all teachers! This planner is specifically designed with you in mind! It includes the basic organizers yo…
Teachers, you must send this letter home to parents on the first day of school. It will set the tone with parents for the rest of the year!
As a new teacher, you try your hardest to learn all of the new procedures and cultural norms of your school, but many times it can be hard but what if all of the veteran teachers poured their knowledge into you? Well, we’ve compiled the best advice from veteran teachers and here you go. Don’t […]
Keep all of your lesson plans for the whole school year in one streamlined easy-to-access place with a Google Sheets Lesson Plan Template!
I got this idea from my peer teacher, Nina. It's a great way for students to share about themselves. I think it would be perfect for a first day of school activity. I would start by having the students first write the numbers. Later, once we have learned about multiplication and division, I would have them create the equations. Finally, they can put it all together in time for Open House. It can be easily adapted for the younger grades by using addition and/or subtraction. It can be adapted for older grades with exponents, multi-step problems, and including fractions or decimals. Thanks to my friend Nannette for inspiring me with her sample.
Distance Learning Virtual Teacher Appreciation 2020, definitely looks a little different this year! With teacher appreciation usually so focused on the clas ...
Meet the teacher night can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be! Make it successful with these tips + free meet the teacher handout!
If I could tell myself 10 things as a first year teacher, this would be it! Try these 10 tips for a smooth first year of teaching.
Every English language arts teacher needs a variety of successful, student led discussion strategies that will provide opportunities for student learning.
There exists a strategy that, if taught on the first day of school, can have a profound effect on the rest of the year. It takes little if any preparation time. It’s simple in its directness and also fun and participatory. But it will ... Read more
Too Tired to Teach? It happens to the best of us. We all have those days where we stay up too late grading papers, planning fun lessons for the next day, organizing materials for science experiments (or binge watching your favorite show on Netflix). Then you pay for it the next day when you have […]
I am heading back to the classroom next week and I just wanted to share a quick Getting-to-Know-You Activity that I made for my own high school ESL students. I included a color copy for the teacher since you probably don't have the time to color it yourself! Here is the copy for the students. Download it here! Enjoy!
Imagine walking into your child's conference armed with personalized insights that highlight their shining moments (Glows) and offer thoughtful guidance for their growth (Grows). These report card comments go beyond the usual grades, giving you a comprehensive view of your child's progress in subjects like Math, Language Arts, Science, and more. But that's not all – they also dive into your child's learning skills and social development, ensuring you have a well-rounded understanding of your little superstar's journey. Get ready to engage in fruitful conversations with teachers, set inspiring goals, and create a supportive learning environment that celebrates achievements while nurturing improvement. With the Glows and Grows Report Card Comments, you're not just attending a conference – you're igniting growth, fostering partnership, and making a positive impact on your child's success. So, why wait? Let's embark on this exciting journey together and bring out the best in your child's education!
We're sharing 10 things NOT to do on the first day of school. If you're a teacher wanting a smooth start to the school year, look no further. This post will show you what mistakes to avoid so that you have the best classroom management practices in place from the beginning!
Are any of these ineffective teaching methods still part of your practice? Time to reconsider.
Is the existence of happy teachers a myth? Do they actually exist, or are they just something that we aspire to? We all have them. You know what I am talking about. Those habits that hold
Teacher interviews can be nerve-wracking! Here are the teacher interview tips that I have learned. What can you do to improve your interviews?
This post shares 5 steps you can implement right now to plan your entire school year in advance + FREE Planning Reflection Guide for teachers
Check out these MUST do things to check off before you leave for the summer! {TONS of FREEBIES to help you get prepared for next school!}
Meet the teacher night can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be! Make it successful with these tips + free meet the teacher handout!
