Do a simple experiment:

Go back to the time when you first entered a classroom on your own - no mentors, no school counsellors, no teachers-partners, just you and the students and finish the following sentence!  

I wish I knew...

In one of my first posts a discussion arose on the topic of (under-)preparedness of newly graduated teachers. There's a lot of experience, kindness and care in this Blogathon of ours, so I figured we could make a list of useful tips for the teaching newbies.

Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth. said Baz Lurhman in his 1999 hit based on Mary Schimich's Chicago Tribune column. It might be true in some cases, but sometimes some things, like sunscreen, are invaluable. What is it you wish you had known before you first started a lesson? Share in a comment and help! :)

Here’s my piece.

I wish I knew the key to maintaining discipline in the classroom is in building rapport and being clear about what the rules of conduct are and consistent in playing by them.

Can’t wait for other ideas!

Love to all,

Dora