The Best Advice For New Preschool Teachers

Like other first days you’ve had in your life, your first day as a preschool teacher will have you feeling excited and nervous. You will have some great days and some challenging days, but developing a strong classroom management strategy from the start will help make the early days of teaching easier to navigate.

Establish Rules from the Start

As a new teacher it may be tempting to try and become friends with your students. The most successful teachers are those who establish clear rules, expectations, and consequences from the start. If you fail to establish boundaries from day one, it will be difficult to establish authority later. No new teacher wants an out-of-control classroom, so set the tone from the first day of the school year. 

Stick to the Routine 

Young children thrive on routine and like knowing what comes next. Consider using a large colorful schedule as an outline for their day. When kids know what’s coming next throughout the day, they’re much more likely to cooperate. 

Include Movement 

Young kids have short attention spans and get bored quickly, so shorter lessons tend to be more effective. If possible, try and incorporate movement in between your activities, such as some simple stretching exercises. Children aren’t meant to sit in a seat all day, so allowing them ample time for movement will help prevent boredom and keep them engaged. 

Model Good Behavior 

If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, know that an important factor in developing an effective classroom management strategy involves showcasing the behavior you want to see from your students. Successful preschool teachers behave in a manner they wish to see their students behave. 

Get Students Involved 

Rules are more effective when students get involved during the introduction process. When explaining the rules on the first day of school, don’t talk to your students, but rather invite questions and feedback on the rules. When students feel invested in the rules, they’re more likely to follow them. 

Capture Their Attention 

Before giving your students instructions, make sure you have their full attention first. Use an object with sound-like a bell and introduce it into the classroom from day one. Whenever you ring the bell, your students will know to stop whatever they’re doing and listen. 

Be Organized and Prepared  

If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, you should know that the most successful teachers are prepared and organized. This means having materials ready for group activities, big and small. It also means being prepared for mishaps such as spills, accidents, and runny noses. Keeping sanitation and safety in mind is also a must, so ensuring that your students wash their hands upon arrival and throughout the day, cleaning, and sanitizing tables before meals, and putting dangerous chemicals out of reach of children are crucial. 

Don’t Forget to Laugh 

Teaching preschool is a serious job, with a lot of responsibilities, however, it’s also a fun job. Children are hilarious, so if you’re interested in becoming a teacher, never lose sight of the joy of working with kids. If a child does or says something funny, it’s okay to laugh and share in the moment. Laughing over silly songs or rhymes makes learning more fun and impressionable. If you can maintain your humor, you’ll be a much happier and more successful preschool teacher. 

Interested in Teaching? 

The most important thing you can do is have patience. It takes time to settle into a new program or classroom, so allow yourself some time to adjust. If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, contact Athena Career Academy today. We have an exceptional staff and faculty, and we’d love to show you around!