By Shannon at the Southern Schoolhouse
The first days of school can be overwhelming for new teachers or any teacher. Even those who are well-prepared may feel stretched thin by routines, classroom management challenges, and the sheer pace of the school day. We all have challenging days! To help navigate these moments, I have a , reflective strategy that can make a big difference.
Whenever you notice yourself feeling unhappy about a certain activity (maybe it didn’t go as planned) or the class felt chaotic, or you didn’t respond to a situation the way you wanted, jot down a few notes about what you were doing in that moment. Later, when you have time to reflect, ask herself: What specifically made me feel uneasy? How would I have liked this moment to go?
This practice offers several benefits:
- Builds self-awareness: Teachers begin to notice what triggers stress in their day-to-day work.
- Encourages reflection: Thinking about how they want moments to go helps teachers feel more in control.
- Promotes problem-solving: Over time, teachers can develop strategies for handling similar situations more effectively.
This approach doesn’t require extra materials or a lot of time, just a notebook or a few notes (maybe in an ongoing reflection journal). The key is consistency and honesty in reflection.
Mentors and colleagues can support first-year teachers by checking in on these reflections and helping brainstorm actionable strategies. Over time, this simple habit can reduce stress, improve classroom confidence, and empower new teachers to navigate their school year more successfully.
Try it out: Encourage your mentee and team member to jot, reflect, and discuss. Small moments of reflection can lead to big growth in both confidence and skill.
STAY TUNED… Part 2 is coming soon…”Quick Mindfulness Moments for Teachers and Students“
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