When you decided to become a teacher, it definitely wasn't for the money or the work load. Planning, teaching, assessing, meetings; repeat. The work load of a teacher is something that can make or break you as a person. I know too many teachers that are significantly over worked - four meetings a week; over assessing of students; reporting every term - why why why?
Creating and sorting your life or work load into four sections will help you achieve and attain a healthy work load.
Taking time to prioritise, plan, and sort out what you currently need to complete each day will help to achieve a healthy work load, healthy mindset and also take some stress away from your life.
Work load is vital maintaining a happy and healthy mindset with teaching. Your school might have some practices, expectations or routines in place to support this; and if at any time you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or upset; reach out and talk to someone. There are many avenues of support with NZEI being one of them.
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You've got the job! Your dream job. Now you are thinking about what your classroom will look like! How is it shaped? It is big? What furniture is in there? What spaces will you create? The list goes on! And of course you will be wanting to make it special!!!! There are so many things you can do in your classroom to really make it your own - and there is so much inspiration out there online whether it is Instagram, Google, Pinterest or your next door neighbours classroom.
2. Storage - there are lots of different types of storage that I use and are vital in your classroom! Different sized boxes, trolleys, caddies and more. I love my local $2 shop for lots of cheap containers and use Spotlight for a range of trolleys and sturdy containers. You don't HAVE to have these - it really is about what you have in your space and what works for you. 3. Visual organisation or picture reminders - if you teach junior students then this will save you! Students can visually see the picture prompts to remind themselves of where things go, how things should be and where they belong. Make up some quick picture prompts with photos, or even better - take some of your students returning or having things in the right place. That will add meaning and value to what you are doing.
Your classroom space can be anything you want it to be! If you are unsure, walk around your school and check out the classrooms already there to start off. Google, pinterest or stalk on Instagram for more inspiration but just bare in mind, your first classroom DOES NOT need to be like what you see. Find what works for you, your look, your students and what you want to achieve. If you have any questions about your classroom space, contact your mentor teacher or principal for your school. If you have any questions about anything from my classroom please email me [email protected]. Want to see inside my class? Check out this video of inside my room in 2020! My room changed a lot in the space of a year; but this can give you insight into how things work and the basics of a classroom set up.
Over these short holidays already, I have been messaged by teachers - especially first year teachers; who are stressing about beginning their journey in the classroom. A first teaching job can be very scary and daunting. And you might feel alone. BUT DON'T WORRY! Every teacher out there had those feelings starting out. This blog post is the first of a series called 'Getting ready for 2021' - targeting different areas of teaching to get you going before heading to the classroom! This blog post talks about planning.
Above you will see a snippet of what my planning looks like. Of course every single teacher works differently so you might see this and think WHAT?? I'll give you a quick run down of how I plan:
What are you looking for in the session with students? How does this link to the curriculum? How does this show progression in learning? Does this link to your long term planning? Is it clear enough?
Need some resources? Check out my planning template resources available in my store. Or purchase the New Zealand PRT Teacher Book and receive the planning templates free!
Google Planning templates
NZ$8.00
Variation of Google Planning Templates Use these Google planning templates to help get your planning going. There are a variation of Google docs and Google sheets planning templates for both short term and long term planning. Included are: -Inquiry LTP (Google Docs) -LTP Template (Google Docs) -Reading LTP Template (Google Docs) -Maths LTP Template (Google Docs) -Writing LTP Template (Google Docs) -Term overview (Google docs) -Weekly Planning template (Google docs) -Google Sheets planning templates This one includes: -1 Term Overview -2 Weekly Overview Templates -3 Reading Templates -2 Writing Templates -2 Maths Templates -Google Sheets Long term planning template All of these are customisable. Simply make a copy for yourself and edit what you need. This resource is sent with a link to the Google Folder fill of all the templates. Please do not share these templates with others. Direct them to this link to purchase these for themselves. Playful Learning Planning Template
NZ$0.00
Playful Learning Planning Template This is a template of my Playful learning planning template that I have set up and used for my classroom and planning. This is made on Google Sheets and is a template that you can make a copy of. Once downloaded, this pdf will have the link to the planning template. Click on the link to be prompted to the Google Sheets template to then make a copy of. This will then open in your Google Drive. New Zealand PCT Teacher Book
NZ$10.00
New Zealand PCT Teacher Book This book is a great resource to have when beginning the first two years of teaching. Designed specifically for New Zealand PCT teachers, this has templates, resources and ideas to bring into your classroom! This resource includes:
This book contains 114 pages that can be printed off and bound into a book. Templates, lesson plan templates and more; that can be printed in multiple copies before being bound. This resource also includes a FREE copy of my Planning Templates; giving you some examples or ideas that you can use to begin planning in your classroom. This book also comes in two different forms - black and white or colour Frequently asked questions from PRT's and beginning teachers:
Me being me, had to create my own handover sheet so that anyone taking over my students can get a quick insight into who they are and where they are working. I wanted to move away from the national standard type things and include curriculum coverage too. There is also a report received box so the new teacher can track where they are up to with their reports and a box for written notes about behaviour and play - I wanted playful learning in there as it has been a huge part of my practice this year.
Download this quick and easy freebie recipe from my website here if you are new to making play dough or a provocation for your classroom!
Check out the pictures below that show you an insight into the more of the play pack ideas! Or purchase it below - 20% off at the moment! |
AuthorMrs Priestley ICT blog is a place to read, download and view ideas! Archives
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