Welcome, new teacher! It's a big responsibility taking on the role of homeroom teacher right after graduation. You're in charge of third graders, who are starting to think for themselves and can be a handful.
You're doing a fantastic job, so let's give each other a big hug!
I'd love to share my thoughts from two different perspectives: that of a psychology learner and that of a parent. I hope you'll find them helpful!
Let's learn more about the wonderful world of children at this age!
Erikson's personality stage theory says that kids at this age are dealing with some big issues. They're trying to figure out how to be diligent and not lazy. They want to be recognized by their classmates and teachers, but they're all at different levels. Some good girls gain recognition through good study habits, consistent grades, and being class officers. Naughty boys may try to get attention by disrupting the class, even embarrassing the teacher and making their classmates laugh. This is similar to the "black red" phenomenon among Internet celebrities nowadays.
So, if you punish them, it might not be the best approach. They might not see it as punishment, or they might even feel that punishment gets them the attention of the whole class, and it's a way for them to get attention.
Have you ever thought about trying to break down this relationship and build positive reinforcement? It could be a great way to help these little boys! For example, you could find a troublemaker to be the discipline committee member, or maybe you'd like to find a leader with a particularly loud voice? Whatever you choose, it's important to show these boys that this kind of positive thing is actually a reasonable way to get attention.
You can also hold a class meeting with a theme like finding strengths. Ask everyone to help look for the strengths of the little boys and praise them in private to exert some positive influence. Every time you see something praiseworthy, praise them more in front of the whole class. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes!
"Effective communication with parents can be a big help."
As a homeroom teacher, you'll find that communicating with parents is an important part of your job. After all, a child's education is a joint effort between home and school. When you communicate effectively with parents, it helps them understand what's going on at school and how their child is doing. It also allows parents to pay attention to and guide family education, which makes the combined efforts of home and school more effective.
You said, "I always feel scared of the parents criticizing me, like when I was a child and my parents scolded me severely." But you really don't have to worry. In fact, for most parents, although the relationship between teachers and parents is equal, most parents still care very much about their children's evaluation in the eyes of the teacher. It's totally normal to feel a bit intimidated by the teacher's phone call!
It's only natural for new teachers to be compared by parents with previous teachers. The good news is that as long as you're sincere and let parents feel your sincerity, for example, by eliminating some information asymmetry, parents will give you time to grow.
My eldest child is in the second grade. When he first started school the year before, the math teacher had just graduated and was also the assistant homeroom teacher. I remember that on parent open house day, a bunch of parents sat in the back of the classroom listening to the teacher.
The math teacher put a lot of love and effort into creating some really fun and engaging PowerPoint slides, but when they were shown, there were a few hiccups in the continuity and a couple of mistakes were made. In the following days, parents chatted about the situation and felt that the math teacher could have done better. Some even wanted to organize a group to go to the school to request a change of teacher.
Later on, some parents told us that the new teacher is really hard-working. They said that the eldest child's teacher also started as a new teacher and stayed until the sixth grade, and that things gradually got better. The parent committee sent someone to chat with the teacher and tell her what we'd like to see from her. Now she's settled in and things are going well in the class.
I'm using this example to tell you the following:
1. We all know that conflicts are bound to happen from time to time. The good news is that communication is the best way to solve them!
2. Parent communication is so important! We're all here to help and work together to find solutions, not to make things more difficult for anyone.
3. Don't worry! New teachers will have an adjustment period, and you're not the only one who will encounter this problem.
"Take a deep breath and try to be a little more easy on yourself."
You said, "In the office, when the teacher says who in the class is not paying attention, I feel like a failure. I can't get anything right, I have so many problems, and I can't deal with them all every day."
I can tell you're feeling a bit down because of the classroom discipline problems you mentioned earlier. It's totally understandable to feel like a bit of a mess.
If I take a step back and look at it from a different angle, I might think:
The office teacher said that someone wasn't paying attention in class. I think it's a great idea to use this as a chance to remind everyone to pay attention in class! It might also be a good idea to check in with the parents. You could just say, "Back in my class, who...?" It's always a good idea to discuss with the teacher whether the student is distracted in individual classes or just in certain classes.
I truly believe that being a teacher or a doctor requires a lot of goodwill, and that's why I chose these professions.
You've overcome so many obstacles to get into this school, and you should be really proud of yourself!
But teachers are only human, just like you and me! They have their own emotions and feelings, and they need someone to talk to to relieve their emotions, or someone with experience to learn from. This is perfectly normal, and there's no need to be too hard on yourself.
Take it easy and don't be too hard on yourself!
When you were a student, it was usually just a matter of yourself, and you just had to take care of yourself. But that's not the case after you start working! You need to cooperate with other people, and there's just so much coordination.
It's so important to remember that whether something is done well or not is no longer a unilateral decision. It depends on the degree of cooperation between the two parties. So don't take on more than you can handle! You need to know that your very existence is valuable.
Hey there! I know life can get tough sometimes, but I'm here to tell you to let go of your worries and clear your mind.
We all hope that our lives will be smooth sailing, but life is always full of storms. It's bound to happen that you'll get wet in the rain, or even become a drowned rat. But if you take a shower, dry off, and look up to find a beautiful rainbow, your mood will probably improve.
I really hope you can soon get out of that gloom and feel confident again!
Comments
I understand your concerns and it's really tough starting out. Every classroom has its challenges, but remember, you're learning too. It might help to build a reward system for good behavior to motivate all students. Also, try talking to the playful kids oneonone; sometimes understanding their reasons can lead to better solutions.
It's hard when you feel like you're not meeting expectations, especially with those high standards you set for yourself. Maybe focus on small victories each day. And don't be too hard on yourself for needing time to develop your teaching style. Everyone learns at their own pace. Perhaps reaching out to more experienced teachers for advice could also provide some helpful strategies.
The pressure of being observed by other teachers can be intense. But know that every educator faces similar struggles at some point. Try viewing these moments as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Building relationships with your students can make a big difference in how they respond to discipline. Sometimes just knowing you care can change their behavior.
Feeling sensitive to criticism is natural, especially coming from a background where you were always trying to do well. Remember, though, that feedback is part of professional development. Communicating openly with parents might ease your fears over time. Start with positive news about their children to build trust. Over time, this can make addressing issues easier.
It's clear you're very dedicated to doing a great job. Dealing with difficult students is never easy, but you're not alone in this. Consider organizing class meetings where everyone, including you, shares feelings and ideas. This can foster a sense of community and responsibility among students. Also, seek support from colleagues or mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement as you navigate these challenges.