Relax
The beginning of the school year is incredibly stressful. With meetings, Open House, having everything “ready”, no sleep and long hours, it can come to you. I have found some tricks that help me at the beginning of the year.
First, plan one day at a time for the first week. You never know what will be done, how the children will cope, and what will “come up.” I plan one day at a time, so I never have to stay “too late” at the beginning of the year.
Second, don’t worry about the “stuff.” When I started teaching I was worried about all the “things” that children brought with them. Where does it all go? When will I find time to fix it? I have learned not to worry about “things” because eventually everything finds a home. I put all the supplies in laundry baskets on the first day and slide them into a corner. When it is saved, it is saved …
Third, stay no more than an hour and a half after the kids leave for the night. Do not do it. You will only be tired the next day! Prepare your plans, materials and everything for the next day and go home. A rested teacher is more fun, personable, and eager to teach.
Fourth, take some time for yourself. This year, on the first day of school, I went to see a movie. It took me 2 hours. Just me. I selfish, tired, exhausted, stressed. And it helped. I came home smiling and ready to go back the next day. Make sure you take at least a little time each day for yourself. Go for a walk, read a book, take a nap, take a bath, walk around the mall, whatever relaxes you.
Fifth, remember to smile. Sometimes when we are stressed, we forget to smile. It really helps.
So remember, kids are the most important part of teaching, and stress comes and goes, it’s the way you handle it that makes all the difference.
