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Fourth Grade Teachers Chatboard

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by Megan

Jul 25, 2013

Hey there.

I am a brand new teacher starting in august. I will be teaching 4th grade. Any words of wisdom?

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Vet Teacher On 7/25/13, Megan wrote: > Hey there. > > I am a brand new teacher starting in august. I will be > teaching 4th grade. Any words of wisdom?

I don't know how wise my words would be but I've taught many different grades and in several schools over 25+ years of teaching so my words are based on my experiences. I could write volume...See MoreOn 7/25/13, Megan wrote: > Hey there. > > I am a brand new teacher starting in august. I will be > teaching 4th grade. Any words of wisdom?

I don't know how wise my words would be but I've taught many different grades and in several schools over 25+ years of teaching so my words are based on my experiences. I could write volumes but I'll try to be coherently brief.

Every teacher has to find what works for them and what works for the teacher next door to you might not work for you. It's ok to be wrong. One of the most wrong things that teachers do is think they always have to be right. Even worse is believing you're always right. Flexibility and patience have been key to my teaching - those two qualities and a sense of humor go a long way in teaching. Compassion goes the longest way but in my experience I've seen very little compassion in education. Fighting with kids and/or parents only results in a loss for everyone. Give the benefit of the doubt. Be generous. Don't give homework on weekends or holidays. Don't worry about whether you're hard enough or whether anyone is taking advantage of you. It accomplishes nothing and wastes much time. Find a mentor teacher in your building if you can to whom you can go with questions. Be open to learning and know your students can teach you a lot. There are more than a few students in your room with learning differences whether they've been formally identified or not. Read Mel Levine's book The Myth of the Lazy Child.

Know the first year is hard - it's a great deal of work and at times you might feel like you're drowning in work. That's normal. It's not you. Don't start big personal projects this year. Do a daily read aloud - it's good for their skills and it's a break for you - if you're a good aloud reader. If you're not - get books on tape.

My grandmother said you catch more flies with honey than vinegar - I've found that to be true in teaching as well as life but not every teacher's experience leads them to that same conclusion.

I've loved teaching. I enjoy children even after all these years and there's nothing I'd rather do. I hope you find it as rewarding as I have.

Aug 4, 2013

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