Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Free Advice Linky,FREEBIES and Requests


Stephanie over at Teaching in Room 6 came up with this fabulous linky called 


Is this a ferocious idea or what? I mean, I was a pretty stubborn first year teacher, so I don't know if I would have actually listened to any advice, but I can't express how important it is looking back. My story is simple, and so is my advice. I started teaching at the age of 35. It was a second career, babies had been born and my perspective on life had changed. I was so totally ready to take on the challenges of teaching. However, no one told me about:

Poop
If you teach primary, you will find little lost mystery nuggets in your room, in the hallway, and possibly in your hair. Just roll with it. It makes for great stories when you are older.

Planning
Oh, just do it. And do it well. Have a plan you can stick, but don't be afraid to venture from the beaten path when learning calls.

Gum
Let them chew it. Give a really thorough lesson on gum chewing, and then let have it. There are some brains that need a little 10 minute chomp to help them think.

Read, Watch, Learn
Never, never, ever stop learning. Teaching is like climbing Everest, except you will never reach the top. That doesn't mean you shouldn't take time to enjoy the process. Sharpen yourself, become the best teacher you can be, all the while realizing that you will never actually be the best you can be.

Ahhhhh, sage advice.

I think you're digging the owls. I know you are trying to be all cool and like, "Mushrooms? Owls? Gnomes? All that '70s stuff is gross". But I know you like it. Because you are cool, just like me.

I've had some requests for add-ons to the the OWL Classroom Kit. In addition to this kit, there are two free post sets; a CAFE set and a brand new D5 set. Head on over to my TPT store to grab your free printables! They'll look adorable next to your avocado coffee mug and orange office chair!


And if that ain't crazy enough for you, check out the pennants that I designed to go with the OWL Classroom Kit. Now you can be super coordinated and hip! 


Also, did you see all the hullabaloo about my fabulous, fantastical 100 followers? It's a PAR-TAY! Check out my previous post to catch the Flash Freebie!

3 comments:

  1. You are very brave to have a go with the gum chewing! I just don't think I could do it :) Thank you for your words of wisdom and for linking up!

    ~Stephanie
    Teaching in Room 6

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  2. I think if rules are set out, you could do it. Like only in the classroom, not in the hallway... ever. If someone has gum out if their mouth, they lose privileges, parents provide and only sugarfree mint gum. I haven't done it yet myself but am strongly considering it. As you can see, I'm thinking about what my rules would be. Yes, she is brave. ; )

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  3. Oh yes, the 70s are back and I AM loving it!! Your advice cracked me up. It's so true. During my first year of teaching, a wonderful veteran told me to "pick my battles" and gum is just not one of them for me. I often give it out to my whole class during a quiz or benchmark or just because. I also don't have an issue with hats in the classroom, but that drives my colleagues nuts, so I try to follow the rules there. I figure as long as I can see their face, we're cool. :)

    Amanda
    The Teaching Thief

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