When it comes to classroom advice, there is no better resource than the frontline educators – classroom teachers. That’s why we recently asked our WeAreTeachers Facebook community, “What’s the best teaching advice you can give in five words?” Here are 25 of our favorite answers.
1. Children learn when they are loved. – Andie M.
That sums it up pretty well.
2. Don’t try to control everything. -Martha P.
Focus on what you can control; both you and your students will be happier about it.
3. Work-life balance is important. – Shane H.
Easier said than done, but make time for dinner. Meet up with friends. Take a walk in the park. Go on a date with your spouse. Some. Anything! Remember not to lose sight of all the other important aspects of your life outside of class. – Andy R.
4. Don’t sweat the little things. – Melanie B.
And you know what they’re saying … it’s all little things. When you work from a “kids first” perspective, you can keep track of things.
5. Every day is a new beginning. – Maria J.
You will have some good days and some bad days. Do not carry over anything from one day to the next. And see every day as an opportunity to do better. – V. Chan
6. Take care of yourself first. – Michelle M.
Take the time to eat right, sleep well, and exercise. Don’t let your job ruin your health or steal your personal life. You can be a great teacher without getting lost in the process!
7. Stay home when you are sick. – Andrea C.
We know that planning a submarine is almost more work than doing it yourself. But if you don’t take the time it takes for your body to heal, you won’t be doing yourself or others any good.
8. Don’t forget to have fun. – Ashley F.
Sometimes we take ourselves so seriously! The days go by quickly; Take the time to enjoy your time with your students. And remember, your sense of humor may be what saves your sanity.
9. Remember, these are only children. – Kathy B.
You can have high expectations, but you also need to love them, play with them, give them time and encouragement, and understand their unique needs.
10. Learn to count to five. – Debbie T.
Sometimes it’s really hard to have the patience it takes to be a good teacher. Taking a break and taking a deep breath always helps.
11. Every student is someone’s child. -Jenni S.
It sounds obvious, but as a parent, it puts things in perspective. How would you like your own child to be treated?
12. Always think of Maslow before Bloom. – Lynn J.
Basic needs must be met before children can learn. We have to teach / help / love the whole child. – Alicia B.
13. Be firm, clear, and kind. -Angela E.
Children respond best when they know what is expected of them and that they are being treated fairly.
14. Don’t judge everything they do. – Michelle T.
Trying to do this is a surefire way to burn out in a hurry. Give the children plenty of practice, then evaluate and grade. – Mark D.
15. Sincerity about perfection is key. – Becky L.
Students respect teachers who are also authentic learners.
16. Do not compare yourself to others. -Patricia M.
Sometimes we are so hard on ourselves. Do your best, trust your instincts, and follow your own path.
17. Leave the judgment at home. – Alison D.
People are judged enough every day, especially children. Be Nonjudgmental With Your Students As Much As You Can!
18. Have a procedure for everything. – Kirsten C.
Be prepared for whatever the day will bring.
19. I do, we do, you do. – Wendy M.
This gradual release of responsibility model is key in teaching children how to learn and become independent. After I learned this everything else was fine.
20. Meet the students where they are. – Rose S.
Every child learns differently and it is important to treat each student as an individual.
21. Don’t take anything personally. – Maria K.
Remember when dealing with a difficult student: Children’s decisions are rarely made with the intent to personally hurt / anger / anger you.
22. Treat students fairly, not alike. – Nora S.
It is inevitable that some children will have greater needs than others. And that can change every day. Treat each child as an individual and everything will be balanced.
23. Students remember friendliness, not the curriculum. – Maria O.
It’s the small gestures like frequent wellness checks – a simple “How are you today?” – that really make the difference.
24. Look children in the eye. – Cindy P.
You are missing so much when not really looking.
25. Use teachable moments. – Jan P.
Sometimes in the rush to “get through the material” you miss the most beautiful tangents. Be flexible.
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