Whether you are a brand new teacher or a veteran teacher moving to a new grade level or subject area, this post is to encourage you to grow your content knowledge now.
This may seem like a no-brainer to you, but it certainly wasn’t for me. When I was hired for my first year of teaching, I was hired to teach 2nd grade.
Before being hired, I had spent less than 2 weeks in a 2nd grade classroom. In the middle of the year. In a different state.
I began my first year of teaching having noooo idea what I would be teaching my students. I cringe just thinking back on this.
I’m not suggesting you spend your summer studying or doing any heavy lifting when it comes to content knowledge. But if you know what grade level or subject area you will be teaching, spend just a little bit of time getting familiar with your content.
Find state resources to learn your content.
Google your state standards. Read them. See if your state – or even your district – has created units with those standards. Look for phrases like “grade level overview” and “curriculum maps.”
For example, I spend A TON of time on this Georgia math website, specifically in those grade level tabs on the right side. While I don’t use many activities or resources from this website, it’s definitely my go-to for knowing what content I will be teaching and how to pace it.
YouTube is your friend for learning or reviewing content.
A few years ago, I started teaching 4th grade math, which includes division of multi digit whole numbers. You bet I had to YouTube to remind myself how to do the algorithm, and how to teach with new Common Core methods such as partial quotients, which I had never even heard of before – ha!
There are sooo many amazing teachers on YouTube. Use them!
Find your people to help you grow.
Speaking of amazing teachers, they’re all over other corners of the Internet, too. My personal favorite is Instagram.
I’m going to assume that you are familiar with Teachergram. There are tons of InstaTeachers that share cute classrooms, teacher outfits, and Target finds. But – there are also tons of teachers sharing great information that can help you expand your content knowledge. I’ve learned so many things from teachers on Instagram and have gotten so many ideas for activities and resources to engage my students.
Use hashtags to find your people. Follow hashtags that include your grade level, like #iteach3rd, #iteachthird, and #thirdgrade. You’re guaranteed to find great new content that way, and hopefully some educators sharing great ideas about how to reach and engage your students in your content area. Go ahead and find and follow your people now to start immersing yourself in fresh ideas.
Again, don’t stress about this or spend a ton of time reading about fractions this summer. But learn from my mistake and at least glance at your standards before showing up for day one!
