What makes a good 1st grade teacher

This is super easy to tie in to your read aloud because many books have a character lesson tied into them. This is a great list of classroom management books organized by behavior for you to choose from. You can also tie it into your writing the first few weeks or months! You could do this Classroom Rules craft:.

Sneaky teacher way to get them to write down the rules I truly believe writing them helps solidify them in their brains but disguise it in a cute craft so they don't think anything of it : You could even tie it into your lesson of procedural writing how to writing for example by reading a book about friendship then having them write about How to Be a Friend using the sequencing words you're teaching First, Next, etc.

I use them in a really specific way though to keep them really positive and never negative or as a way to punish misbehavior. I am super passionate about that so, if you are going to use my clip charts, please read that post first so you can ensure that you are using them to build students up and celebrate kindness and good behavior.

They're a fun tool kids work toward getting to the top and they change for different holidays and seasons and themes : You can read all about that classroom management system here:.

I also have a few posts to address specific behavior challenges:. Chatty Class Classroom Management Strategies one of my most popular posts! How to Tackle Tattling. There are a lot of great tricks and strategies out there — you just need to find what works for you and your students! The first week of school will be a whirlwind! The first day goes by so fast in a blur and you are going to go home absolutely exhausted feeling each day of the first week. Have ALL your copies made and materials ready for the first 2 weeks before the first week of school because you will literally want to crawl in your pajamas and go to bed at P.

That's not to say it's not fun! The first week you're teaching them how to do eeeeeeverything - teaching them all of the different routines and procedures But it's so exciting!

You just met your class! Don't be stressed if you don't get to hardly any of the actual content teaching you planned to do that first week. Try to do it because you want to show them how your day is structured and how lessons are done, but SO much of your time will be teaching how to do everything that they most likely won't learn much content that first week and that's okay!

The first week, teach everything whole group Let's say you have 5 different reading centers.. Wednesday, do Center 3 whole group..

Use the exact same one you guys did whole group so they can basically practice it. They're really learning how to do the centers at this point so that takes up a lot of their thinking which you would rather them use on learning a new phonics skill combining both is a lot for them this early in the year!

That's why I say consistency in types of activities is so important and having them practice how to do the center will set you up for success all year. Plus they were probably just as overwhelmed as you the first week and didn't retain anything you guys did whole group since it was focused on how to do the center rather than learning the sound.. Short A, let's say. So if you're scheduled to teach Short A the first week If you're required to move on to the next sound the 2nd week Short O, let's say , that's fine if you use something where the activity is consistent like I showed in my no prep packs, so they already know how to do it and can focus on the new sound..

Do the same thing with your math centers. Teach them 1 a day whole group first then the second week they do them as centers. I hope that makes sense! For the first day of school, it's really nice if they have something to take home to show their family on the first day.

Setting Up a First Grade Classroom. Setting up your first classroom can be streeeessful. It's not just about making it cute, you have to figure out how to make it functional. Thinking about it now, why are there no guides to this??

I would love to have a side career setting up classrooms for new teachers. When you've never run centers before, it's hard to know how you want your tables to be organized to facilitate them. Okay sorry to ramble but I'm sort of having an epiphany while I type this I wonder if I could do that as a side gig??

How fun it'd be to travel the country or world! You can pay me in smiles and sour cream and cheddar chips : If you haven't set up your classroom yet, you're probably going to walk into an empty room with a bunch of furniture shoved against the walls.. Your school custodians are the heroes of your school by the way - they do so much for you and are usually so kind and helpful.

Have at least 6 kids chairs at it. Even if your school only provides you with desks, smush them together to make table groups of kids. I highly, highly recommend table groups of kids each for first grade. They will eventually have scissors and glue in them but DON'T put scissors and glue in them the first day! Or even first week. Not until you trust them with them and they know the rules. For now, put a table group set of scissors and glue sticks in a pencil box for each table.

The table leader or whoever you call on from each table can get it for their table when you say to. Up to you if you want to put markers in there. I think most people only put crayons and pencils. Kids notoriously leave the caps off markers so they're kind of treated as a special treat, luxury classroom item to get to use markers. I recommend keeping them in your teacher supplies and pulling them out each time you use them until you know you can trust them with them.

Make sure you have a word wall with each letter ready to put words underneath. You could hang the first week's sight words or you can put their names on it to start.. I recommend putting your carpet right in front of your big white board then have a chair to the side of the carpet on one of the small sides of the carpet with your easel next to the chair if you have an easel.

Magnetic white board easels are SO nice. If you don't have one, ask your principal if there is one in the school you can have. I actually bought my own but they can be really expensive so definitely ask first! Some people have a pocket chart stand their pocket chart hangs on, other people hang it on a wall. Many, many people do not do that and it's not at all necessary. Throw as many books into each bin that will fit.

The most I sort books is by size to make browsing easy, if even that. Plus, that's one less thing you and they have to keep organized. This is where you keep books you plan on reading out loud to the class. Kids need special permission to go into this bin or aren't allowed in it at all. If you have one of those book display shelves, those are perfect for displaying your read alouds for the whole month. It's fun to switch them out each month so kids see which new books you're going to be reading!

Just tell kids if they take a book from there, they have to put it back on the display shelf and not back in the bins of books. After each month, put the books from that shelf in your "October" read aloud bin so that you can quickly pull them out again the next year. You can do this however you want though!

Maybe you don't even plan out your read alouds and just grab books from your bins. That's cool too : Some people use their read aloud time to start lessons, others just use it as a fun time to read to and connect with their kids. Your teaching style is up to you! If not, buying bins that can stack and putting them in box shelves looks really organized too. Put all your place value blocks in a bin, all your coin manipulatives in a bin, all your cubes in a bin, etc.

I use both but I think files are easier. It's really easy to misplace binders, have papers fall out, etc. If you're using a filing cabinet, make a file for each phonics sound you teach, each math concept, each holiday, etc. Also make a file for each student to put their work samples into.

Even if you have nothing to put in them now, it'll be nice to have them already made so you can drop your masters into them as you find cute, fun stuff to use that you want to use again. Materials to Have. Your school will most likely supply math manipulatives and reading groups materials but here are some lists to get you started to get any things your school may be lacking:. Must Have Math Tools. Must Have Reading Tools. Classroom Must Haves. If you don't already have these things in your room, see if your school has a supply room or ask your school's instructional coaches if they have any before you go and buy anything yourself.

Here is a list of some great Back to School books you can read to your students the first week of school. Fitting it All In. Make sure you mark breaks, short weeks, holidays, etc. Then put in your math. The best way to fit in a ton of learning is to integrate a lot between the subjects. For example, if you have a really small amount of time in your schedule to teach science, extend the amount of time you get to learn about science by incorporating it into your other subjects.

Let's say you want to teach about space in science but you only get 30 minutes a week in your schedule for science. During your read aloud time, read books about space and the moon and planets that week. There are so many awesome space books.. They're super engaging! During your writing time, focus on nonfiction writing and have kids write about the moon! There is so much to learn in first grade so it is awesome if you have parent support for when you need their help at home mastering sight words, homework, helping specific concepts a child is struggling with, reading at home, etc.

Say 4 or 5 positive things for every negative. Make sure the very first interaction you have with them is all positive. Free Time. I know you can barely squeeze in science and social studies but find a way to have completely unstructured play in your room for even minutes at a time at least once or twice a week.

If you do a morning talk or morning work instead, then try to fit in some play time yes, play time! It helps them see their classroom as a fun place. They need breaks! I recommend having them work for breaks where it seems really random.

If you guys can work really hard and quietly for the next 15 minutes… we might take a break. Literacy skills include both reading and writing. In kindergarten, kids practice breaking words into small chunks and identifying the sounds each letter makes. This is known as decoding. These are all skills that help emerging readers learn new words and read simple books. When it comes to writing, incoming first graders are expected to be able to write and share information in a variety of ways.

This includes drawing, writing letters and words, listening to others, and speaking out loud. To help build these skills for first grade, kids do activities like these:. Match letters to sounds, make rhymes, and recognize some words without having to sound them out teachers refer to these as sight words , and some of the first ones kids pick are and, the, and it.

Ask and answer questions about a story the teacher reads aloud, and talk about the characters, settings, and major events in the story. Follow the rules of conversation by listening and taking turns talking. Participate in shared reading and writing activities for example, the teacher reads a big picture book aloud and students take turns sharing ideas about it.

Learn about ways to help kids connect letters and sounds. Get tips to help your child develop good reading habits. Encourage responsibility and independence Ask your child about school every day. Encourage reading in any way you can There is no way to overestimate the importance of reading. It not only enhances learning in all of the other subject areas, it exposes children to a wealth of information and experiences they might not otherwise enjoy.

It stimulates the imagination, nourishes emotional growth, builds verbal skills, and influences analyzing and thinking. In fact, according to every teacher I spoke to, reading to or with your child every day is the single most important thing you can do.

But you shouldn't worry so much about how well your child is reading in any particular grade. Different children acquire reading skills at different ages and in different ways.

And you can't force a child who's not ready to start reading. But you can promote a love of reading by giving your child lots of fun experiences with print at whatever level she's in. Here are some reading milestones you should look for now but remember, your child's skill level may vary , and specific tips on how to help. Treat your child as though he's an author He doesn't have to be Hemingway or Shakespeare. All he has to do is grow up thinking that he can put thoughts and words onto paper.

And the sooner he starts, the better. As with reading, you can help in different ways, at different stages of development. Look for these milestones, and use these tips:. MILESTONE 3: Your child understands that sounds are represented by certain letters, and begins to write actual letters to represent real words "sn" for sun, for instance.

Make math part of her everyday life Leave the flashcards, workbooks, and other skill-and-drill stuff to the teacher. At home, the best way to help your child learn to love math is to play with numbers, and to frequently point out the various ways in which math makes our lives easier. By working with tangible objects, and counting, sorting, estimating, measuring, looking for patterns, and solving real-life problems, children learn to think in mathematical terms, without worrying whether or not they're "smart enough" to do math.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started:. Teach your child how to listen Teachers who've been around for 15 or more years say they've seen a definite decline in children's attention spans and listening skills since they first started teaching. Many of them attribute it not only to the fast and entertaining pace of television and computer games, but to the fact that many children today don't have a lot of time to just sit around, listening and talking to family members.

Between parents' jobs and children's after-school activities, it's hard, sometimes, to get everyone in the same room for a family dinner once a week. But being able to focus on what other people are saying is an important element in learning. So, whenever possible, try to build your child's listening skills. Here are some strategies that will help:. Support your child's teacher and the school rules Even if you don't agree with them.

It doesn't do any child any good to hear her parents say that school is "a waste of time," that school rules are "dumb," or that what she's learning is "stupid" or "useless. She'll be more motivated to work hard and succeed if she thinks you think that what she's doing is worthwhile. So even if a school rule seems silly or unfair to you, or you think your child's teacher is dead wrong about something, don't make a big issue about it in front of your child.

Instead, take your concerns straight to the source. The key steps toward resolution The best way to approach a problem or disagreement involving the school is to:. Sometimes you just have to accept a less-than-perfect teacher or classroom situation. In most cases, it won't do permanent damage to your child, and it may even help him develop some healthy coping skills.

Also, sometimes things that upset parents about school don't really bother the students. So you may want to talk to your child first, before forging ahead with a complaint, or requesting a transfer for your child. On the other hand, you shouldn't feel intimidated by school personnel. If you feel you have a legitimate complaint or if your child's health, safety, or welfare is at stake , and your gut keeps telling you to fight for your child, you should do that.

Just try to remember, at every step of the way, that the less hostility you communicate, the more likely people will be to listen carefully to your concerns, and work toward a mutually acceptable solution. If the teacher calls you The steps outlined above should also be followed if the teacher calls you to discuss problems your child is causing at school.

Even if you think the teacher is wrong, or your child insists that she's innocent, go into the conference with your mind open and your demeanor calm and friendly. Most teachers aren't "out to get" their students; they genuinely want to make the child's school year a success. Tell the teacher everything That is, everything that's happening at home that might affect how your child behaves in school.

That includes positive changes such as the birth of a baby, a move to a bigger and better house, or even a vacation to Disney World , as well as negative ones a separation or divorce, a death or illness in the family, a parent who's lost a job. It's not that teachers are nosy. It's that most children are not terribly skilled at handling excitement or coping with changes or stress. And they all carry their baggage from home into the classroom. Even something little, like a fight with a sibling in the car on the way to school, can affect a child's behavior or performance at school.

If a teacher knows there's a problem or change at home, she's less likely to react inappropriately when behavior goes awry at school. Under normal circumstances, for instance, a dip in grades might prompt a teacher to suggest extra help or tutoring.

If she knows that the child just got a new baby brother, however, she might react instead by pulling the child aside and inviting her to talk about how she's feeling now that she's a big sister. You needn't go into all of the gory details of what's happening at home, either. All the teacher expects to hear is, "I just wanted to let you know that we're moving to a new house next week, and Allan is pretty nervous about the whole thing" or "If Sheila seems a little hyper these days it's because her aunt is taking her to her first Broadway play this weekend.

Students will draw trees in each season, describe what they wear during the different seasons, and journal about what makes winter, spring, summer, and fall different as they fill in this science journal. Check out these awesome lesson plans for science in the kitchen, on the playground, and throughout the day from PBS Kids. I saw the cutest classroom where the teacher had bought a pack of plain borders with various colors, and she just alternated the colors on the wall with alternating butcher paper.

Go simple. Check out our minimalist guide to classroom design. Source: Learning to Teach. No more messy piles everywhere. Source: The Teaching Thief. Use mailboxes to return work and have students write and deliver letters to each other! Personalize them to match your classroom decor. Source: Teaching with Terhune. Partner students at the beginning of the year. When one student is absent, have their partner put work in the Absent Folder for them. When the student returns to school, send the folder home.

Total time-saver! These classroom management anchor charts tackle every possible issue. For 27 fun ideas for quieting a noisy class, click here- good attention grabbers. Check out these 25 brain break videos , gathered just for your first graders. Check out these great tips on handling dismissal time. Teaching 1st grade is part of easing kids into the school experience.

Let them practice their independence with these tips for letting students choose their seats. Source: Love, Teach, Inspire. You can use sticky notes or colored index cards. Source: A Life Homemade. Students can drop their dull pencils in the Sharpen Please tin and take a sharpened pencil from the Ready to Write tin. Add pencil sharpener to your list of classroom jobs, and lessons will never be interrupted by an errant sharpener again!

Here are 22 anchor charts just for first graders! These 45 art projects are just right for first graders. First graders are hilarious! Here are 17 old-school recess games you can teach your students.