Must Read Advice for New Preschool Teachers

I yelled a lot my first year teaching PreK. I’m not proud of it but it’s true. I was a good teacher but I wasn’t an experienced one and when I lost control of the class I didn’t have enough tools in my toolbox to use instead of yelling. I never yelled at a child, but I raised my voice to get my very precocious PreKindergarten class’ attention. I would never dream of raising my voice now unless there was a very clear danger. My point is we all grow as teachers, sometimes through experiences in the classroom, as students ourselves, and at least for me becoming a mom molded me into a different teacher as well. These 10 posts have the advice for new preschool teachers I wish I had had access to many years ago, eager to make a difference, just a little inexperienced.

Behavior Management

10 Tips For A More Peaceful Classroom   I listed this first because this post contains some fo the tips and advice I find myself using to reply to emails all of the time. New teachers are always asking how to create that calm classroom.

How To Handle Disruptive Behavior at Preschool   kids push limits, need boundaries, and need to feel loved and secure. This post talks about how to handle it when they are pushing limits at school.

Communicating with Parents

Effective Parent Communication and Free Printable  – Keep parents involved with these easy tips!

 

How to Talk to Parents About Thier Child’s Behavior   – We are not on opposing sides, teachers and parents are a team, this post helps to preserve that relationship even when you have to tackle hard conversations.

 

Classroom Management  and Preschool Teaching Tips

 

 

Lesson Planning in Preschool   – I love lesson planning but I didn’t always. This post can help.

How To Save Circle Time  – If you use circle time in your class this post will help you keep it on track.

How to Support Potty Training at Preschool  – Remember we are a team with the family, that means we support whole child development, not just the pre-academics!

Using Visual Schedules at Preschool ( and free printables)  – I wish I had used this in my class the first year. Game changer!

Less is More in Preschool – How to help your students make real connections during free choice.   – This is a must read. When you understand this concept preschool becomes much less chaotic.

Ways to Connect on The Playground  Children don’t just learn through play, they connect through it too!

 

What tip or advice do you wish you had in your first year of teaching preschool? What advice would you give to new teachers?