So, you've decided that you want to teach? You've probably discovered by now that it is not as easy as it looks. It requires a lot of self-discipline, consistency, planning, organizing and patience.

First things first, you will need to organize your space. This isn't as easy as it seems. It is actually a two part process. You must first decide where your furniture will go and then you must organize your classroom library. I will suggest some books that will give you ideas for getting both of these tasks under your belt. It doesn't matter if it is the middle of the year because if you find that the arrangements you created at the beginning of the year aren't working for you or your students then it is time to do a little rearranging.

A good start for designing your classroom is to buy Classroom Spaces That Work (Strategies for Teachers Series, 3). Find a structure that is conducive to both you and your students. My first year I had a tall bookcase in my room that blocked my view of my kindergarten students when I was in the back of the room. Let me tell you, those little rascals took advantage of that blindspot on a daily basis. I was constantly breaking up wrestling matches on the rug. I had a nice big room but had no idea how to arrange it. Unfortunately it was almost the end of the year before I discovered Classroom Spaces that Work.

Now that your room is set up, you will need to organize your library. Fountas and Pinnell are the gurus of leveled books so you'll need a copy of their book Leveled Books for Readers.

Now you need to think about rules. Without a code of conduct in your classroom you can hang up any thoughts of actually trying to teach academics. The first six weeks of school should be spent establishing routines and consistently enforcing the rules that you and your students have agreed upon. Here are a couple of good books to help you through the process, The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher is the most basic book you will find for new teachers. The most helpful book I have read concerning discipline is Setting Limits in the Classroom: How to Move Beyond the Classroom Dance of Discipline because it offers solutions for instilling discipline while maintaining the students' dignity and yours. You will save yourself the agony of a lot of sore throats and hoarse days if you follow the suggestions offered by the author.

Article Author: Damaa

Damaa an emerging writer residing in Harlem, New York. She is an educator, a culturalist and aficionado of all things related to the arts.

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