The beginning of the school year is incredibly stressful. With meetings, Open House, having everything “ready”, not sleeping and long hours, it can affect you. I have found some tricks that help me at the beginning of the year.
First, plan one day at a time for the first week. You never know what will be done, how the children will cope and what will “turn up”. I plan one day at a time, so I never have to stay “very late” at the beginning of the year.
Second, don’t stress about “stuff.” When I started teaching, I was worried about all the “stuff” the kids brought. Where does it all go? When will I find time to fix it? I have learned not to worry about “things” because eventually everything finds a home. I put all the supplies in laundry baskets the first day and slide them into a corner. When it saves, it saves…
Third, don’t stay more than 1 ½ hours after the kids leave for the night. don’t do it. You’ll just be tired the next day! Prepare your plans, materials and everything for the next day and go home. A well rested teacher is more fun, personable and eager to teach.
Fourth, take some time for yourself. This year on the first day of school I went to see a movie. I took 2 hours for myself. Just me. Me selfish, tired, worn out, stressed. And it helped. I came home smiling and ready to go back the next day. Be sure to take at least a little time each day for yourself. Go for a walk, read a book, take a nap, take a bath, walk around the mall, anything that makes you relax.
Fifth, remember to smile. Sometimes when we are under stress, we forget to smile. Help, really.
So remember, kids are the most important part of teaching, and stress comes and goes, it’s how you deal with it that makes all the difference.