Walking into the high school classroom on my first day, I felt sick with nerves. I tried to look friendly yet also très cool, but unfortunately the expression on my face read more as “I’m holding in a fart”.
I probably was holding in a nervous fart. The first day of high school is exciting and nerve-wracking… even when you’re the teacher like me.
Yes, teachers feel anxious about the first day back at school, too. That’s why we have a special place in our hearts for students in the early years of high school, especially year 7.
Happy, thriving students have a few things in common. They’re organised, nurtured and calm. And most magically of all, they return their forms to their teachers. What? A teenager remembering to do something without being asked? Yes, I’ve seen it with my own eyes!
In my years as a teacher, I noticed that successful high school students were fans of these four techniques.
Put pen to paper, and get organised.
Believe it or not, teenagers need pretty simple tools to succeed in high school: a pen, paper and a year planner. And wow – none of those things have a shiny screen or WiFi.
Top Comments
I would assume it would be an overwhelming, exciting and frightening time for all year 7 students starting high school.
A lot of kids are simply trying to take it all in - the changes, the multiple teachers, going from class to class, therefore, I can understand and even know of students, who lacked the courage to speak up in class, for fear of 'getting into trouble'. Compassion and empathy goes a long way.
I'm afraid I simply don't understand the following paragraph:
So sing it out like John Farnham and take the pressure down.
Think of high school as a delicious block of chocolate. Instead of
guzzling everything quickly and feeling sick, how about starting off
with a taste and nibble? Come year 12, your child will be a connoisseur
of all things high school and ready to devour their final exams.
I am a mother of a Grade 8 boy. We are one year into secondary school and I'm wondering how my son (and us parents) could have possibly started out with a 'taste and a nibble'? You make it sound like we have the power to pick and choose what to do and when to do it. Grade 7 was quite a shock for all of us to juggle multiple deadlines for subjects while also trying to keep up with the few extra curricular activities enjoyed. I'm really not sure how we can 'take the pressure down' while ensuring that expectations are met and satisfactory grades achieved. Especially if a child is not a natural learner or high achiever. I would love to be enlightened by Ms Gee!