We are so excited to share our top tips about how to feel ahead of the game as the new teacher on the block. We are Ashleigh and Alisha, the duo behind Rainbow Sky Creations. We love creating content that helps teachers feel seen and inspired (especially new teachers). Our motto is to work smarter, not harder and we want to help as many teachers as we can to achieve that!
Starting your teaching journey can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to help new teachers navigate the biggest challenges of the school year with confidence and ease.
As a new teacher, it’s normal to feel a bit daunted. But we want you to remember, first and foremost – you are not alone! With the right strategies and resources, you’ll soon feel more in control and ready to positively impact your classroom.
Stick with us, and together, we can conquer the start of the school year jitters.
Let’s get you feeling prepared and ahead of the game with these 5 things you can do over the summer to be ready for your first year of teaching.
We still get excited about this! There are so many options and considerations depending on what year level you’ll teach. The aim is to create an inviting space for your students so they feel welcomed and comfortable.
Begin by making a list of what you think you will need. Then sort your list into:
Categorizing your tasks will help you focus on your priorities. To help you with this, we have a checklist inside this freebie created especially for new teachers.
When setting up your classroom, remember that you will be occupying it for most of the day, so you want it to bring you joy, too.
Can they read the posters you have displayed?
Does the light bounce off laminated resources on the wall?
Do they have a good vision of the board?
Preparing activities for the first day (or even the first week) will help you feel more confident. All teachers love a good plan!
Having your first day / week activities ready to go also frees up your mental space, allowing you to focus on building relationships with your students. We have an example first day plan and an activity to get you started inside our freebie for beginning teachers.
During the first few days, you’ll be engaged in a mix of:
When planning your first week, we recommend having a few extra activities up your sleeve just in case (having a plan B and C as a teacher is always needed).
This can be one of the most daunting things for new teachers. Dedicating some time to collect ideas and then reflect on what you want to start with will be time well spent before you begin the school year.
Once you get to know your students, things may need to change, but in the meantime, consider:
Our biggest advice when it comes to classroom management plans is to keep things simple.
The most effective classroom management strategies are straightforward and uncomplicated. Remember, everyone wants to feel seen, heard, and valued, and your students are no different.
Make sure all necessary technology tools and login details are functioning correctly. Test your audiovisual equipment, such as the smartboard or interactive TV, to ensure everything is ready for the first day. This will save a lot of stress on the first day with your students.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with any new software or online platforms your school uses to ensure smooth usage.
Even though this is the last point, it is the most important one! There is no room for burnout if you want to be the best possible teacher for your students.
That means reflecting on how you will care for yourself this school year. Make looking after you a habit from the start of your career. We also highly recommend you put some time aside during the summer to do what you enjoy and fill your bucket. It might be going for a swim, reading a good book, catching up with friends or enjoying walks in nature.
You want to begin the year refreshed and ready, not tired and run down because you have spent all summer preparing and planning.
Starting the school year as a new teacher can be challenging, but you can feel confident and in control with the right preparation. By setting up your classroom, planning your first week’s activities, creating a classroom management plan, ensuring your technology is ready, and putting some time aside for yourself, you’ll be set up for success!
Above all, remember that simplicity is the key!
Before you go, don’t forget to grab your copy of this FREEBIE to help you!
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh (aka Rainbow Sky Creations)
Still have questions about having a successful first year of teaching? Feel free to contact us on Instagram @rainbowskycreations, listen to our podcast especially for new teachers or you can visit our blog where we have loads of helpful tips for new teachers rainbowskycreations.com/new-teacher-freebie-hub.
Alisha and Ashleigh are the duo that make up Rainbow Sky Creations. They are 2 Australian teachers with 15+ years of teaching experience in global classrooms. They have a mission to support new teachers so that not one of them enters the classroom feeling alone or overwhelmed!
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