A New School Year

Deep breath in - 

and out

That's the smell of a fresh new year of opportunity's and journeys whether you are a veteran , a novice or a student teacher.

I always look at every day as the beginning of a new fresh start .

If you are a veteran - Welcome Back!

If you are a novice - Welcome Aboard!

If you are a student teacher, 

be a sponge!

Be a sponge? You are thinking, (what the heck does that mean?)

Well, what I mean is, soak up all the knowledge and expertise of the veterans around you. Not just from your cooperating mentor. Walk the halls sometime and quietly listen, observe and soak in how the other teachers teach, manage and organize their classroom.

Keep a notebook. I am big notebook advocate.  
Just like a reporter, jot down notes to refer back to. 
Ask questions, the master teachers are there to help you. 
We all have walked your journey including these first steps. 
Reflect on what you observed and try ideas out. You'll know if they work for you only if you give them a try. You probably will not do things exactly the same-and that's OK tweak them to make them work for you. Some ideas may work and some may not. Once again, that's OK, throw the not's away!

As a music teacher, we tolerate a different level of sound.
Controlled sound.
After all, that is our subject  -  the Study of Sound. 
Yes, some of the traditional general classroom management skills do work for us with some tweaking. 
If you are new to a school I suggest making an inventory list if there is not one. It helps knowing how many tambourines etc.  you have to work with. 



For me, learning has never been measured against a group of people, but from the growth with in each individual.

As teachers we are not only planting the seeds of academics but the seeds of dignity and self worth.

The greatest reward for me, is watching and listening to my students bring to life what they have learned.

Teachers of all levels, become a child again, discover - learn - experiment, dare to go outside your comfort zone. 

Learning is only as fun and exciting as the teacher instructing the class.

Remind, teach and model that mistakes are not the enemy of success. 
Help your students analyze their mistakes, looking for the reason where it went wrong and to use these mistakes not a stumbling blocks but as steppingstones to learn.

Have a Great Year!

for all you do

Don't forget to take time for yourself Every Day!

♫Donna Marie & Mary♫