5 Ways to create a Stress Free Classroom: Quarter 1

The pencils are sharpened, the classroom is set, lesson plans are perfect. You are the teacher ready for the first day of school. But by the end of the week you are frazzled, razzled, and ready to countdown the day back to summer. The first quarter of the school year is a real beast. Going out of your way to practice some techniques to reduce stress is everything. Here are some practical tips to keep yourself as grounded and a classroom where you and your students are open and engage to learn.

1. Your Classroom Agreements are Firm & Consistent

The most important aspect of your classroom should be your procedures. The gift of learning takes practice, students do not know how to learn, it must be explicitly taught. I like to call my “rules” in my classroom, “agreements.” Rules make students feel like they are not apart of the deal. I always let students know, these agreements are not just for you. They are for me as well. “I will use kind words and not put others down.” So if I do, I will apologize to that students make sure the class is aware that we all make mistakes. Even rules like “raising your hand” have to be explained to students. I say, “My job is to keep you safe, if I can not hear who is speaking I can not help, who needs help. It’s also rude to interrupt, someone while they are talking. Then I am very consistent with a rule. Even while teaching kindergarten, if a student came up to me open their snack, I would look away. Then ask the class, “Why can’t I open this package?” They would reply, “We have to raise our hand for you to open something for us.” The agreements are what allow us to have a where we can learn. Firm and consistent are key.

2. Their will be always be more work to do

I know this may sound discouraging but it’s the truth. The responsibility of teaching 18-25 kids in different subjects everyday is a daunting task. The work is going to pile up. The work will always be there. I try to tackle one major task a day. Whether it is, grading a test, inputting new student data for my administrators, plan out my centers for the next month, or even file a group of papers. In any given day, we have immediate matters we must attend to like, answering a parent phone call or email. Addressing a student incident that is urgent takes priority over everything. This is why the paperwork piles up. It’s not your fault, you have to prioritize the most important issues. Always know you are doing you best, and your best is good enough.

3. Create “office hours” for yourself

I can remember my first years, bringing so much work home. I would turn my home to my little classroom. I remember thinking, can’t I do this consistently for the rest of my teaching career. This is too grueling. So I little by little started to set boundaries like office hours for my classroom. I enjoy completing my work but not necessarily bringing it home, bringing it home did not bring me joy. So I simply don’t do it anymore. Setting a structure that works for your is so important. I personally do: Mondays & Fridays as my days to leave as soon as possible. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I leave some wiggle room to stay later after-school for at least 30-45 mins to tie up any loose ends. This schedule has helped me when making parent teacher conferences, progress/report card time, holiday parties, and the million other things that come up.

4. Build/Celebrate your Relationships with Other Teachers

Oh, the lifeblood that keeps a busy teacher going! These are the people you work with on a daily basis. No one can understand the daily stresses, celebrations, the amount of work and dedication you put into your career. Only another teacher could relate. After Quarter 1 of the year, it’s a good time to reflect on how you did it with your co-workers. Don’t hesitate to go to coffee before school or schedule a lunch date together. The strong bonds you make at work are so important to your present and future success. The relationships you make at the school, are vital to keeping you motivated and sane! Grab your teacher friends close and make sure they know how important they are to you.

5. Schedule your Free Time

As many meetings and appointments we schedule, it is important to schedule in time for yourself. What do you do that keeps you relaxed? What are your some of your favorite hobbies? Even something as simple as the dentist appointments and such. It is so important to schedule in time for your personal life. I get a little rush when I know I have a yoga class coming up after school. I do not get as excited for a dental appointment but it is equally as important as anything else. Your free time becomes a priority once it is added to the schedule.