​As September rolls back around, we understand that as a teacher it can be quite hard to transition from the relaxing 6 week summer holiday back into the classroom. It is a very exciting time of year, however it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to go back into that structured teaching routine. Fortunately, with some good preparation and mindful steps, you can get back into the rhythm of teaching and set yourself and your students up for a successful year!

Having a teaching routine.

Establishing a clear routine will benefit both you and your students. Having a routine set in place for your day provides you with structure, reduces stress levels, and helps you create a sense of order in your day. Starting the year with a good foundation will help your class run more smoothly and will make it easier for you to manage any problems/curveballs in your day!

This will serve as a model for your students, will help them know what to expect each day and builds self discipline.

Setting small, realistic goals.

It can be quite easy to accidentally jump back into it all at once, however you cant do everything in a day. Avoid overwhelming yourself with long tasks and break up your to-do list into smaller, more achievable goals. Here's an example of how to do this-

• Week one- Set out classroom rules, establish routines and connect with your students.

• Week two- Start to dive into lesson planning and organise your space.

• Week three- Start to implement your daily and weekly schedules with any adjustments made on the way.

Starting small and taking things one step at a time will prevent you from burning out.

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Organise your space.

Taking time to organise your classroom just how you like it will make you feel more at ease, and will show your students that you are ready for the year ahead. A clutter free, organised environment will make sure you feel ready to go!

• Sort through and get rid of any left over materials from the previous year that you don't need anymore.

• Set up your stations that you will use a lot so that you know where everything is.

• Personalise your space just how you like it.

• Colour code and label things to help you organise your area.

Having an inviting and organised classroom will reduce your stress levels and make you feel more confident in the space that you are working with, as well as making going into work more enjoyable!

Time management.

A big part of getting your routine back is by managing your time effectively. When teaching, we understand that sometimes it may feel like you don't have enough hours in the day, however if you plan carefully, you can make the most of the time that you do have.

• Prioritise the tasks that need to be done and figure out what can wait.

• Set aside times in the day that you can use to plan lessons and attend meetings.

• Leave time for yourself! Taking a short walk can recharge your mind.

This can all be a game changer to staying organised and being in control of your time as the new school year kicks off.

Self care.

One of the most important factors to making sure your mentally ready to take on a new year is incorporating self care into your routine. As a teacher, it can be easy to put everybody's needs before your own, but to maintain your energy and enthusiasm throughout the year, this is an essential step. This will help you stay grounded and sets an example for your students.

Here are a few self care tips-

• Having a consistent sleep schedule. The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Find out what works for you in order to stay sharp and on board throughout the day

• Exercise. This may not sound like fun for everybody, however even a quick 15 min workout- or walk- can help boost your energy.

• Set boundaries. Don't be afraid to say no to excessive tasks, taking on more than you feel you can handle at the moment can take a toll on your mental health

• Linking into time management, try to do what you can at work to avoid carrying heavy work loads home with you. This will give you more time to unwind at home with your favourite hobbies, or just sitting and relaxing for the night!

Looking after your mind and body is one of the most important things to keep your brain functioning and so that you are ready to handle any challenges that may get thrown your way!

Connecting with your students.

One of the best parts about the start of a new year is connecting with your students. Taking the time out of your first few weeks to get to know them individually such as the way that they learn, what their interests are and what they may struggle with will make sure that you are on the same page. Setting clear expectations from the start of the year will also help the students feel more secure and confident in their environment. Having good relationships with your students promotes positive communications and makes them feel more included in the group.

Some ideas of ice breakers that you and your students can participate in-

• Two truths one lie- a staple game that all students love.

• 6 word story- ask your students to describe their summer in 6 words!

• Trivia games.

• Group activity games to get students bonding with each other.

Being flexible.

Having a routine is just a guide, not a set of strict rules. Being flexible is just as important as having a structure. As a teacher, you'll often encounter unexpected situations that you will need to adjust to. Your routine is bound to evolve as the year progresses. Some things will work and others wont, and it will just be trial and error until you figure out what works for you.

In conclusion-

As you transition back into the year, allow yourself to take it one step at a time. Having a routine will make you more confident, organised and ready to take on what gets thrown at you throughout the year. This is a process, and you don't need to have it figured it out on the first day. The key is having patience, self compassion, and most of all have fun with it!

Have an amazing start to the academic year!