Whether you’re new to the teaching profession or an experienced educator, you will be familiar with the demands that come with a career in the classroom. These tips for second grade teachers will help you manage your workload, keep children engaged and ensure that however much you love your job, there’s more to life than teaching.
Be Organized
Organization is key whichever grade you teach. Plan thoroughly, ensure you have resources ready prior to your class arriving and keep your classroom neat and tidy. Not only does it help you know where to find whatever you need but it also teaches your class the importance of being orderly.
Keep Learning Fun
Pressures on children to meet targets can suck the joy out of learning, which is why it’s so important that, as teachers, we find new ways to help their students engage. Find out what makes your class tick and incorporate this into your lesson plans. If they love basketball, artwork could involve creating a portrait of their favorite player or English writing a poem around a game. Math could entail shooting a set number of hoops, recording how many shots are made and then working out percentages. Get creative!
Be Firm but Fair
Second grade is fun to teach but the age of your students does mean they can try to take advantage. Set clear boundaries so your class knows what is expected of them – working together to create a set of class pledges that everyone agrees on gives everyone a chance to contribute. Consistency is key but if everyone is aware of the rules of the class you will be remembered as a firm but fair teacher.
Make Use of Online Resources
The internet is a blessing for teachers, with forums dedicated to activities, Pinterest projects and pre-prepared worksheets all easily accessible. Free writing activities specifically aimed at second graders such as those provided by Studentreasures Publishing make life much simpler – especially as you know the resources will be high quality.
Be Observant
Second graders are developing a strong sense of self – they might be exploring different interests, outfits and friendship groups. Be aware of these shifts and how they affect both the individual and the class dynamic. Knowing your students and recognizing them as individuals will strengthen your relationship with the members of your class.
Teach Your Class to Have a Positive Mindset
As a second-grade teacher you will be a role model, mentor, confidante, entertainer and so much more to your class. There is much to teach over the year but, especially for these children whose short lives have been impacted by the pandemic, boosting confidence and giving children a positive mindset to believe they can achieve is an essential lesson — the importance of which can’t be underestimated.
Find Your Teacher Tribe
There are undoubtably pressures that accompany the role, which is why it’s so important to find a teacher tribe who will be able to share in your highs and lows. This could be a colleague at your school, someone you met on a training course or a friend who also just happens to be a teacher – it doesn’t matter. What matters is having someone (or a group of people) who understands the demands of the job and who will offer support and advice. This should be in addition to the mentorship given by your principal or manager.
Create Lasting Memories
Think back to your own time in second grade – what do you remember from that time? A class excursion, a special event or a project you were especially proud of? Childhood passes quickly and one day the seven- and eight-year-olds in your class will be adults themselves, reflecting on the time you spent teaching them. Give them fond memories to look back on by making learning a fun experience.
Take Time for Yourself
Teaching is a vocation, but that doesn’t mean you have to give your whole self to the profession. Be sure to take a lunch break, set yourself boundaries over work hours (which can be particularly challenging when you are planning or grading at home) and don’t feel guilty about it. Teaching is demanding, so be sure to take time out, whether that’s watching your favorite Netflix show or enjoying a meal out with friends.
And Finally…Enjoy It
There is so much fun to be had as a second-grade teacher. Don’t get so caught up in targets and reports that you forget to enjoy the role. Happy Teaching!
