38. Recovering from a Rough Start

Recovering from a Rough Start: Essential Classroom Management Tips for Teachers

Episode Summary:In today’s episode, we discuss how to recover when the school year doesn’t start off as planned. Whether you’re dealing with new teaching environments, navigating post-pandemic challenges, or simply facing unexpected hurdles, it's important to remember that a rough start doesn't define your entire year. Host Brenna Nelson shares her personal experience of starting the year on the wrong foot and offers valuable classroom management tips to help you reset and regain control.

Key Takeaways:
It’s Okay to Struggle: Acknowledge that even seasoned teachers can face difficulties in the classroom. It’s crucial to show compassion to yourself and understand that a tough start doesn’t mean failure.

Calm Your Nervous System: When things feel overwhelming, your nervous system may go into fight, flight, or freeze mode. Learn strategies to calm yourself down, including deep breathing and grounding techniques. This will help you think more clearly and problem-solve effectively.

Own What’s True: Analyze what didn’t work without judgment. Ask yourself what actions or classroom management strategies were ineffective and how you can make intentional changes to improve the situation.

Shift Your Thinking: Instead of saying “I don’t know how to manage this class,” try reframing it as “I don’t know yet” or “I’m figuring it out.” This subtle shift can lead to more hopeful and productive action.

Focus on What You Can Control: While you can’t control student behavior, you can control how you respond. Set clear expectations, model respectful behavior, and enforce consequences. You can also manage your own mindset and take proactive steps, like seeking support from colleagues.

Avoid the ‘I Don’t Know’ Trap: Saying “I don’t know” leads to inaction. Instead, take one small step forward, knowing that action brings clarity.

Resources Mentioned:
Calm in the Classroom Course: Join the waitlist for Brenna's upcoming course, where she dives deeper into managing stress, anxiety, and overwhelm in the classroom. Sign up here.

Previous Episode: The 50-50 Principle: Explore the idea that life is always 50-50—positive and negative emotions—and how to embrace this balance.

Whether you're struggling with classroom management or just need a fresh start, this episode offers practical advice for resetting and moving forward. Remember, every day is a new opportunity to shift your thinking and improve the teaching experience for yourself!

Tune in now to gain actionable classroom management tips and make this school year a success!