Starting out as a new teacher can be intimidating and even frightening.
Some basic tips may help to eliminate the stress and anxiety from
teaching a class of children. Students will give their trust easily
if they like you.
Don't be too serious
Every new thing is kind of scary, so when you have to stand up and
teach math it can be a little intimidating at first. Try not to frown
or look to serious. It will discourage the students and they will
be afraid of you. Humor can built a bridge that can make amends later
on it the year. Remember that a good laugh is like medicine for the
body.
Use discipline
There will be no teaching without controlling of your class. It is
better to fall behind by a day or two early in the year to address
discipline, than to have an uphill battle all year long over behavior.
Let students know from the beginning what is acceptable behavior and
what is not. This way they won't take chances.
Involve the students
Encourage the students to work in groups. In this way they can have
a study partner and feel comfortable with one another and learn to
trust each other. In the long run it will benefit your students if
they all get along smoothly and there will be order in the classroom.
Later on you can have competitions between the different groups as
well.
Motivate your students
Be a motivation to your students. Identify early on what math they
are struggling with and help them overcome those areas. Students are
surrounded with negativity where ever they go. If you can give them
a place to feel safe and comfortable they will give back to you a
solid return by doing their best.
Make it interesting
Use every day examples to draw and hold their attention. Math can
get very boring when the same patterns are followed every time. Be
open to creativity and use basic things that aren't costly. Students
can bring junk materials from home to use in their projects.
Prioritize
Get your priorities straight right in the beginning. A good diary
can only be an investment and remember that you don't have to do everything
just to accommodate others. If your schedule allows it, you can take
on extra curricular activities.
Rest when possible
Teaching is hard work. Make time for yourself. If you are stressed
out you cannot give your best. Take vacation time to sleep, eat and
maybe read a good book once in a while. When you are rested you will
benefit your students.
Be prepared
Preparation is of the essence. Take time every day to prepare for
the following days lessons. This will pay tremendous rewards as you
can then give your full attention to the subject at hand. Don't leave
things and hope it will work out. Be prepared for all situations.
Organizational skills
Organizational skills are like a lifeline. Pack away stuff, clear
desks, and make sure that you personally take tests from students.
Organizing can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Planning goes a long way
Keep students busy. When they sit around they get bored and think
of mischief. Plan extra activities that they can do. Something that
will be a challenge to them. Some students finish quicker than others,
give them extra assignments, perhaps let them read an article about
math and set up a reward system for every 10 articles they read. This
way they will be kept busy and won't bother each other.