Make Back-to-School Easier: Be Prepared Before the First Bell Rings

The first days of school can be exciting—but they can also be overwhelming. New students, new schedules, mountains of paperwork, and the challenge of getting everyone settled and ready to learn can make those first few days exhausting for teachers.

The best way to make back-to-school easier? Be prepared.

Having your first lessons, activities, procedures, and essential resources ready before students walk through the door can take a tremendous amount of stress out of those hectic first days. Instead of scrambling to figure out what comes next, you'll be able to focus on what matters most: getting to know your students and creating a positive classroom environment.

That's why I've put together a FREE back-to-school resource to help you get organized and start the year with confidence. It's one less thing to create and one more tool to have ready when you need it.

Click here to Download your FREE planner.

And if you're looking for additional resources to make your first weeks easier, I've also selected several back-to-school resources designed specifically to help teachers start the year prepared, organized, and ready for success.

Click here to see those resources.

A little preparation now can make a BIG difference when that first bell rings!

Start the school year prepared. Start it confidently. And make those first days a little easier on yourself.

All the best,

Charlene

Here are some interesting blog posts from my teacher friends in The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Cooperative.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Simple Steps to Organize Your Workday

One of the best gifts we can give ourselves is organizing our time and eliminating some of the stress that often comes with each new day. I call it, pressing the reset button. Today is done. Start over tomorrow with a plan. 

I always try to take a few minutes to prepare for the next day at the end of each workday. I make a list and prioritize the things that I hope to accomplish tomorrow. I find that if I have a focused plan, I can get things done without feeling anxious. 

I leave myself notes and place sticky notes on folders and books that I plan to use. Pressing the reset button can work for you, too. No matter how tired you are, take a few minutes before you leave your office or classroom to clean off your desk and tidy up your work area. Be sure that when you return, you will find a neat, organized space. 

This system will help you at home too. Take time each evening to prepare for the following day. The few extra minutes you take to prepare will save you so much stress and tension in the morning when you are pressed for time. 

Before you go to sleep each night, be sure you have planned for the following day. 

• Decide what you will have for breakfast and put out the dishes and flatware you will use. 
• If there won't be time for breakfast, take along an energy bar, a piece of fruit, or a yogurt. 
• Prepare your lunch for the following day or decide where you will eat lunch. 
• Choose what you will wear and lay out your clothes and your shoes. (Don't wait until the next morning to discover that one of your shoes is nowhere to be found. Been there! Done that!) 
• Place your keys and work materials near the door. If there is something you might forget to take along, write yourself a sticky note and put it with your keys. 
• Be sure the kitchen and bathroom are neat and tidy. 

Press the reset button each day before you leave work.

• Tidy up and organize your desk and work areas at the end of each day. 
• Prioritize a "to do" list or leave yourself sticky notes to help you get started the following day. 
• Leave work at work whenever possible. It will be there tomorrow. (I am a writing teacher, and I know doing so is not realistic much of the time, but do it if you can.) 

It may take you a few moments at the end of each day to press the reset button, but the following morning you will be so happy you did. Then, you can start your day with far less stress and worry. 

It works for me! 

Why not try it, or use a similar system that you devise?

Here’s a link to a FREE printable daily planner and to-do list. Enjoy!

While you are in my store take a look at some of my resources that involve taking simple steps to success for your students. Sign up for my newsletter for more freebies and tips.

Below are blog posts from my teacher friends at The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. I always learn something from reading their blog posts. Thanks for reading mine.

Best regards,
Charlene

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter