Five Insights

My 5 Insights:

1. Lean into the craziness.  When my students are really rambunctious I used to try to get them to control their bodies and voices, now I just turn on a funny song and go with it.  I have found that getting goofy (so long as we don't have serious work to get done) can be more helpful when it's time to refocus instead of trying to fight through it.
2. Don't investigate every concern.  In first grade, there are a lot of times where students would like you to intervene, but there simply isn't enough time and often the students can handle it themselves.  
3. When I get flustered as a teacher, take "time out" to solve the problem.  Acknowledging that the Promethean board isn't working at the moment and asking the kids to turn to their neighbor and tell them about a specific prompt while I take a moment to get my baring has worked much better than not directing the students in this fashion- they will always talk, but at least I can get them on a topic that increases learning while I sort out the situation.
4. Come in early.  I have realized that I am not nearly as productive in the  afternoon as I am in the morning.  I find that if I get a day ahead in the morning versus prepping afternoon before, I enjoy my day much better.
5. Be a team player.  I often times see where work has been reduced (or could be) because of teamwork.  The teachers often plan things together and print things off as a group.  I can only imagine if a full grade could commit to one type of homework packet how effective it could be.