- Labels, Labels, Labels - I did not label my supplies at the beginning of the year. I figured I wouldn't fight the pencil battle, and the students would magically return whatever pencils they borrowed. SO. WRONG. I spent an afternoon after school recently putting stickers covered with packing tape on my highlighters, pens, and pencils, because OMG my stuff is walking off as fast as I put it out! It is way more likely to come back with the sticker on it. My scissors have been labeled since Day One, and I have managed to surprise a few children by pointing out my name on the red pairs in red Sharpie when they show back up from a desk or pencil box. Label your stuff!
- Paper Organization! - I did not hammer out a firm system for organizing papers before school started. This was a HUGE mistake, and I am struggling now to keep it all organized and not let it take over my teacher table. Yikes!!!
- Anchor Charts - If I had thought ahead with planning, I would have prepped a lot of my anchor charts beforehand. I didn't know what I was doing, how to plan, any of that, so I went with it. I should have spent less time creating flipcharts and more time creating paper anchor charts. I present better lessons when I just buy a premade PowerPoint from TeachersPayTeachers! Which brings me to my last point...
- Resources! - I LOVE Teachers Pay Teachers! Set a limit for yourself, and you will be good to go. Ask other teachers what they have used to teach certain topics. I always check around at least a week or so in advance to give them time to respond, and (hopefully) send me something helpful they have used.
Thank you for reading! I hope this list helps someone to not make these same mistakes. I know I had a couple of friends just get teaching jobs, so good luck to you and have a great year!
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