Table of Contents
About the Author xi
Introduction
First Things First 1
The Beginning Teacher's Journey 5
How to Use This Book 8
Chapter 1 The Anticipation Phase 13
The First Week of School 13
Classroom Strategies 16
Organizing Your Classroom's Physical Layout 17
Establishing Rules and Procedures 20
Understanding Students' Interests and Backgrounds 23
Self-Care Practices 24
Getting Adequate Sleep 24
Eating a Healthy Diet 26
Exercising Regularly 27
Reflections 29
Classroom Strategy Prompts 29
Self-Care Practice Prompts 30
Chapter 2 The Survival Phase 33
Mentorships Are Invaluable 34
Classroom Strategies 36
Focusing on Classroom Management 36
Displaying Objectivity and Control 38
Noticing When Students Are Not Engaged 40
Self-Care Practices 41
Practicing Mindfulness 42
Focusing on Relationships 46
Reflections 47
Classroom Strategy Prompts 47
Self-Care Practice Prompts 48
Chapter 3 The Disillusionment Phase 51
What a Difference a Year Makes 52
Classroom Strategies 55
Developing Relationships With All Students 56
Celebrating Students' Successes 58
Focusing on Positive Student Behaviors 60
Self-Care Practices 61
Practicing Gratitude 61
Practicing Kindness 64
Appreciating Humor 65
Reflections 66
Classroom Strategy Prompts 67
Self-Care Practice Prompts 67
Chapter 4 The Rejuvenation Phase 69
Playing Can Be Productive 69
Classroom Strategies 71
Demonstrating Intensity and Enthusiasm 72
Utilizing Physical Movement 73
Presenting Unusual or Intriguing Information 74
Maintaining a Lively Pace 75
Self-Care Practices 77
Developing a Growth Mindset 77
Picturing Your Best Possible Future Self 78
Reflections 79
Classroom Strategy Prompts 79
Self-Care Practice Prompts 80
Chapter 5 The Reflection Phase 83
My Favorite Lesson 84
Classroom Strategies 87
Employing Questioning Strategies 88
Demonstrating Value and Respect for All Learners 91
Self-Care Practices 92
Being inspired 92
Writing Yourself Permission Slips 94
Setting Aside Time to Reflect 95
Reflecting With Someone Else 95
Reflections 96
Classroom Strategy Prompts 96
Self-Care Practice Prompts 97
Chapter 6 The Second Anticipation Phase 99
The Lazy Days of Summer 99
Classroom Strategies 102
Self-Care Practices 103
Having Fun 103
Acting Like a Kid Again 104
Reflections 105
Classroom Strategy Prompts 105
Self-Care Practice Prompts 106
Epilogue: The Year in Retrospect 109
Appendix A End-of-the-Year Activities 113
Inviting and Disinviting Feedback 113
End-of-the-Year Letters 114
Survival Guides 115
Pay-It-Forward Promises 116
Reflections 116
Appendix B Mementos 119
References and Resources 131
Index 139
