Thread: School Jitters

yes and no.

plan carefully and establish the routines on the first day. spend the first couple weeks reinforcing the routines, and then the rest of your year will be as easy as you like.

it is normal to be nervous about the first day (even if it isn't your first year). you'll be meeting a whole score of new people who are going to be looking to you for guidance. they'll want to know about you. who you are, what you're about, and how you're going to treat them. be prepared with a little monologue about you, and take some time to have the class introduce themselves as well. this is a great way to foster a positive classroom climate.

btw, the students are nervous too! they are probably even more jittery than you are (hard to believe, i know). knowing that helped me to realize that the first day should be a time to set them at ease by getting to know them.

for more info about the first days of school, visit [url]http://teachers.net[/url] and read thru the articles by Harry and Rosemary Wong. this will help you plan for the first day to make your year a success.

take a deep breath and try to relax!

A good rule of thumb- the more you do it the better you will be at it. Don't panic- they can smell fear Just kidding. Your class will to a great extent be what you make it. Look forward to it- your first year is really the best learning experience you will have as a teacher, and you need to make the most of it. It is important for you to project confidence and positivity- it will make your life easier if your students see you as a confident and positive individual. If you have prepared well, know what you intend to do, and are clear about it, you have no reason not to be confident. Good luck to you and remember, always do your best.

I know exactly what you are feeling. Last year was my first year and I had many of the same anxieties. Here's a couple of things to think about:

1. JohnBoy is right, don't show fear. The students will see it. Remember that they are probably more nervous than you, but for other reasons. They are worrying about what kind of teacher you will be, what their peers will think of them, how to be successful, and a bunch of other things.

2. After the first class, the rest should be easier.

3. Students see you as a leader. They won't pick up on every little mistake that you or another teacher would. For instance, if you stumble over a word or have trouble with a word, just act as it is complete normal.
The kids will pick up more on personality than mistakes, so don't worry if you make a couple.

4. If you are as nervous as you say you are, take Mary's advice and try in incorporate some activities that put the focus on the students as well as yourself. This will help take the edge off.

Good luck, be confident, and have some fun while you're at it.