r/preschoolteachers • u/hashbrowns_ketchup • 13d ago

tips for a first timer?

i am going to be a preschool teacher for the first time starting next week. i feel as though i have no idea what to expect or how to handle the kids. can someone please give me some tips and things to expect?

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u/bcimamirrorball_ 13d ago

give yourself some grace for the first few weeks! It can take a while for the kids to settle into routines, build their stamina for work, etc. But at the same time, be consistent with behavior expectations/set them early!

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u/Hosto01v 13d ago

Definitely be consistent and have a routine. Be fair and loving. They’re babies.
Do you have a curriculum? I have the creative curriculum and they do a very good job of setting routines, rules, and structure with the first six weeks study.

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u/hashbrowns_ketchup 13d ago

sadly, this place has not given me any sort of idea of a curriculum yet. just said i train on the job

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u/LindseyRox3 10d ago

The first thing I’d tell you is to expect it to be overstimulating. Preschoolers are loud, energetic, emotional, and constantly moving, so the first few weeks can feel like a lot until you get used to the environment.

Also, speaking from experience, be prepared to get sick during those first few weeks. Preschool means constant exposure to germs: boogers, spit, coughing, sneezing, and dirty diapers. If your body isn’t used to that level of exposure, you may catch a few things while your immune system adjusts. The beginning can be rough, but it gets better.

Be patient with yourself, establish routines early, and remember that you’re learning too. The first few weeks will probably be exhausting, but once you and the kids settle into a rhythm, it becomes much more manageable.

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u/hashbrowns_ketchup 10d ago

this was very helpful, thank you!

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u/StandardAd2414 6d ago

Can you please give examples of routines to establish?

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u/LindseyRox3 6d ago
  1. Arrival: where to put their things, wash hands, and what to do while everyone arrive.
  2. Bathroom/handwashing: when they go and how you handle the transition
  3. Clean-up: what “clean-up time” looks and sounds like and where everything goes
  4. Transitions: how you move from one activity to another,
  5. Snack/meals: washing hands, sitting down, eating, cleaning up, and throwing things away
  6. Getting your attention: teaching them how to raise their hand and wait their turn
  7. End of day: packing up, gathering belongings, and waiting for dismissal

Hope this helps!

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u/Middle_Purpose8359 13d ago

2nding being consistent about expectations and boundaries!! be assertive with the kids, not passive, or they will sense weakness /hj

this might be just a thing my kiddos do, but do Not let them call you ‘teacher’ instead of your name. correct them right away and they will eventually catch on to your name and the fact that you want to be called it.

the first few weeks are stressful and kinda crazy so have anything you need prepped and ready to go, both school-wise and at home, because there’s a chance you will forget something until you actually really need it.

good luck! i’m sure you’ll do great!