How do I calm first year teacher nerves?

Question

I am so nervous about all the things I need to do, things that could go wrong, things that need to be organized. I really am driving myself crazy and losing sleep over next week. I keep telling myself to calm down by giving myself pep talks but they don't seem to work. Can anyone give me any advice?

Answer 1

Keep your confidence. If you believe you are in charge so will the students. Also, like anything else, preparation is key. Nothing will go wrong and if it does you'll be prepared. For example, plan an extra lesson/game in case your lesson is too hard or too easy or the students finish early. Buy supplies ahead of time, nothing special just regular pens for you, make sure your classroom has chalk or dry erase markers, get some folders to help keep your papers organized. Get a good planner/calendar or a notebook and write things down. I love colored sticky notes and it always makes me feel better to see them with notes/reminders and I love the colors etc.

Also to calm your nerves drink some tea and get on a reasonable sleep schedule. Get up early each morning for a few days before the 1st day so you get used to it. Eat healthy the days before you start and plan your outfit. Something professional but something you're comfortable in. Itchy clothes, pants that are too big, underwear that rides up etc just add extra worries. Try your clothes on 1st and lay them out the night before.

A lot of it is mental too. Tell yourself it'll be a breeze and it will be!

Answer 2

Lots of good answers here. I am always ready to "PUNT." By this I mean that if my kids show an interest in an area I try to go with it and incorporate it into future lessons. I also try to plan more than I think I will have time for so that if something turns out to be a real flop, I have something else to fall back on. Get your behavior management program right out there on day one. Make sure it is one you can live with and let the kids have input. If you need to discipline a child it is better to pull that child off to the side and talk instead of nailing him/her in front of the whole class. Respect is earned - it is not automatic. You must treat them with respect before they will respect you. Always admit it if you have been wrong. Kids need to know that you are not afraid to come clean. Be fair. Differentiate instruction so all kids can learn. Give them options to show you what they have learned instead of tests - such as a poster or a talk in front of the class.

All good teachers are nervous before the first day and if you were complacent then I would say you needed to get out of the profession. I have been teaching 11 years and still get nervous and don't sleep well. Hang in there and ask other veteran teachers for help - don't be afraid to get together with others especially in your grade level - they will have lots of ideas to help you. Great luck for your first year!

Answer 3

Remember - the classroom is a stage and you are the performer. If you are really that nervous, take on a persona during those first few weeks. Pretend to be somebody who is trained, knowledgeable, resourceful, passionate (in reality you already are, you are just overcome by worries about what could be). Visualise your success, don't stress about all those things that might happen.

And... there will be times when you get it wrong, when you make mistakes, when you cry.... it is all a learning experience - I still do these things from time to time, 17 years after I first started. It is what keeps us human.

Good luck - go out there, have fun and inspire someone.

Answer 4

Ok, as an 8th year teacher..my first day with kids is Tuesday. I still lose sleep thinking about the new group of kids I will get. I will still get nervous every year at the start of a new year.

As for you, I think you will do a great job because you seem to care about what could happen...ETC....
Think, what is the worst that could happen. The kids act up and you get tougher. The other teachers should be able to help you to. Try not to worry because kids pick up on things like that. GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

I've read a lot of good responses here, all I support.

I'd like to add: Kava Kava tea.
Or at home: red wine

seriously.
chill, it'll be ok. Once you get in the room and get into a routine, you'll be too busy to be nervous. You're just playing everything in your brain on a loop track. Take it one thing at a time. You'll never have everything done, there will always be something to do, and it'll be ok. You'll organize a few things everyday, but it'll never be perfect, and it'll be ok. Things that you imagine going wrong, probably won't go that wrong. As long as the kids don't come out damaged or broken, it's ok. ;)

Answer 6

You think you are nervous? The kids are coming in fearful about you! Here is how you should think of it...

The kids want a comfortable, safe classroom. They want a teacher who will help them to succeed. If you approach your first few days thinking about the best way to get to know each and every child, there is no time for being nervous. You have 30 (or 160...) kids coming in that are each unique individuals. The sooner you figure out their needs and wants, the easier it will be for everyone.

What would you as a student respond better to...

a stern looking, blank faced person who simply goes over a long list of rules..... or a inviting, smiling person who takes the time to learn your name and talks to you as a mentor would?

relax a little, and know that you are in it with your students for the long run. Things will go wrong, things will be disorganized, you have to roll with it.

Answer 7

I just started my 3rd year teaching.
I found preparation the best thing to do. Go over your plans several times to make sure you are as ready as you can be. Write lesson plans. They might help you think through what you are going to do so you are less likely to forget anything. Always have more activities in class than you think you will need. Anything extra can always be used another time.
Plan what you are going to do if the worst happens and things do go wrong (for example, know your school's discipline policy inside out).
Hopefully working through things should help, but also try camomile tea and lots of exercise.

Answer 8

Hey... Just make sure you have everything you need organised and than just try to relax (yeah I know easier said than done) and enjoy your day. You will have a mentor to call on for help if you get into trouble. You cannot really go too wrong and will learn from any mistakes you do so try to just relax a bit and have fun. Also try not to let the kids know you are nervous as they will play on it if they can... Have fun......

Answer 9

Just remind yourself that YOU are the boss and in control and students are there to listen to you and RESPECT you. First year of teaching you must make sure your students know that they have to respect you. Also realize that you are only human and you make mistakes. You cannot be totally organized your first year and get everything right, because it is your first year! You just have to be yourself and teach in a way that you think is effective.

Be friendly, have fun, and be a good role model. Kids will always remember you for that.

Good luck!! You'll do great.

Answer 10

Just remember that know matter what you do that you have the kids best interest in mind...it is ok to let them know that too. On the first day spend it connecting with them; find out their interests and tell them some of your stories or play some educational games, ice breaker activities and do some team building.