The teachers running the smoothest classrooms aren’t usually the ones with the cutest classrooms. They’re the ones who spent the first few weeks intentionally teaching children how the classroom works.
In this episode, we dive into five common mistakes teachers make at the beginning of the year that often lead to behavior challenges, difficult transitions, dependence on adults, and classroom chaos later on.
Plus, what to focus on instead to build a classroom that runs smoothly all year long.
Topics Discussed:
- Why teaching routines matters more than teaching academics during the first weeks of school
- The difference between telling children what to do and actually teaching a skill
- Why opening every center and material right away can create unnecessary chaos
- How independence develops through intentional instruction and practice
- Why many behavior challenges are actually teaching opportunities
Related Resources:
Related Blogposts/Episodes:
- The First Day of Preschool: What to Prep (and What to Forget)
- Why Planning for Classroom Management before Day 1 Makes Sense
- How to Teach Classroom Procedures
Connect with Ashley
- Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
- Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
You make so much sense that it seems it should be common knowledge. Thank you for reigning in my desire to entice and excite from the get go. I need to remember less is more at the start of the new year.