July 7, 2012

SHARING WISDOM - ADVICE FOR NEW TEACHERS LINKY

It's late, my eyes are starting to droop, and the post I have been working on this evening has been officially put on hold until tomorrow.  However, I can't let you go away empty handed while I run off and get my beauty sleep.  


I have been wanting to link up with Deb over at Fabulously First for what seems like forever now and right this second definitely seems like the perfect time to finally jump on in.  Deb is hosting the most delightful linky party - it seriously captured my heart the moment I saw it pop up on my roll.  It wasn't all that long ago that I was just starting out . . . 



I have three pieces of advice for new teachers out there.  They may seem rather simple, but when I was in the mix of things, I often overlooked these.
  1. Just because it's written in that plan book of yours, it doesn't mean that you actually have to get to it.  And . . . if you do get to it, you don't always have to finish the lesson once you start it.  Read your kiddos and do not be afraid to "pull the plug" if it isn't working.  
  2. This leads me right into my second wisdom nugget.  Things never go as planned . . . and that is okay.  You gotta think on your feet and adjust as you go.  It's what makes teaching so much fun (well . . . this crazy teacher lady thinks so).
  3. It's going to be the absolute ride of your life.  You will cry.  You will get angry.  You will be exhausted.  You will eat, sleep, and breathe school. But, you also will get more hugs in one day than you've had in your entire life. You will see your babies grow and blossom.  You will learn priceless lessons about yourself.  And, you will love it.  Just give it time . . . it truly is the greatest job in the world! 
This was so much fun this evening.  Thanks again to Deb over at Fabulously First for the opportunity to do a little late-night reflection.  Won't you think about joining up and sharing your thoughts too??  

Well, I am outta here and off to catch up on some zzzzz's.  Check back mid-morning for a sweet little writing freebie.  Thanks for visiting friends.  I'll see you tomorrow.

12 comments:

  1. SJuly 8, 2012 at 2:33 AM

    These are all things I need to keep reminding myself of! Thanks :)

    Shanyn
    Coffee, Kids and Compulsive Lists

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelley DollingJuly 8, 2012 at 10:32 AM

      I still have to remind myself of this stuff every once in a while :) Thanks for swinging in for a little visit.

      Delete
  2. Lisa R.July 8, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    Agree, agree, and agree!! I learned real quick about not getting everything done in lesson plans. I think I cried more my first year than I have in my lifetime, but now I couldn't imagine doing anything else. It is truly the best job in the world!! Great post Kelley! :)
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelley DollingJuly 8, 2012 at 10:33 AM

      I cried a ton too . . . and walked around like a zombie after school on most days. I wouldn't have changed it for the world though. What a wonderful job we have :)

      Delete
  3. TammyJuly 8, 2012 at 6:17 AM

    So so true. I totally agree. :)
    ❀ Tammy
    Forever in First

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 8, 2012 at 6:50 AM

    Great advice, Kelley! That first year is so hard but also so wonderful.

    Delighted in Second

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJuly 8, 2012 at 6:59 AM

    All of these are so true :) Thanks for sharing!!

    ~Steph

    The Quirky Apple

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kelley DollingJuly 8, 2012 at 10:34 AM

    Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts, Ladies!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. PattiJuly 8, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    Hi! I've been a follower for a while but I just entered Dana's giveaway at Fun in First Grade! Thanks for helping her out with a great prize!
    Patti
    pattib203@yahoo.com
    Primary Pizzazz

    ReplyDelete
  8. VickyVinasJuly 8, 2012 at 3:39 PM

    I had a conversation with a co-worker a number of times this year about knowing when to pull back and reading your kids' levels. It is definitely something that they don't tell you about at first, sadly, you do end up learning it the hard way. That is great advice. :)

    http://themadnessthatiskindergarten.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. ChynnaJuly 8, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Thanks for the advice! I begin student teaching one month from TODAY and I needed to hear this! Thank you so much:)

    http://www.mrshtheteachingblog.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. Miss School PotatoJuly 23, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Kelley,
    I love reading your blog! I'm so glad you found me so I could find you!

    Thanks so much for the words of wisdom...as I'm about to start my first year teaching I feel so excited but also overwhelmed! I just feel so much pressure about being THE ONE responsible for TWENTY-SEVEN second graders. I just want to be good enough (actually better than good enough!), you know? Did you or do you ever feel this way?

    Alex

    ReplyDelete