Everything a New Elementary School Teacher REALLY Needs to Know

by Otis Kriegel

Not your typical how-to manual for new teachers, this no-nonsense, jargon-free guide offers a wide variety of tools and tactics for getting through every school day with grace and sanity. Covered in glue, glitter, orange juice—or worse? Make a quick change into the spare set of clothes you keep on hand for just this purpose. Butterflies in your stomach before your first-ever Meet the Teacher Night? Keep your cool by writing the agenda on your board—it’ll double as a crib sheet for you.

These tips and hundreds more, covering virtually every aspect of teaching, have all been learned the hard way: from real-life classroom experience. Otis Kriegel’s “little black book” will be a treasured resource for teachers who want not only to survive but to thrive in any situation.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Nonfiction, American

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Otis Kriegel is a teacher educator, veteran elementary school teacher and artist.

A 12-year veteran of the classroom, he has been adjunct faculty at NYU for the past seven years. Kriegel founded The K5, a website to help parents of elementary school-age children address challenges such as reading, math, how to get out the house on time and prepare for a parent/teacher conference. In 2006, Otis developed the innovative workshop for new teachers, "How To Survive Your First Years Teaching & Have A Life," which is the basis for his book What Every New Elementary School Teacher REALLY Needs to Know (But Didn't Learn in College) (Free Spirit Publishing, April 2013). He currently lectures to universities and schools, helping new teachers prepare for the trials and tribulations of teaching elementary school.

Kriegel is also an artist, who co-founded the public art collective, Illegal Art, whose book, Suggestion (August 2005), was published by Chronicle Books. Otis' work has been featured in such media outlets as National Public Radio's "All Things Considered", New York Magazine, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Public Art Review, The Sun Magazine, Dwell Magazine, and The New York Times Op-Ed page (01/01/06, 09/03/07, 12/31/09). In 2008, Kriegel was a presenter at the College Art Association in Dallas, Texas. He was a recipient of an Artist's Grant from the Vermont Studio Center in July 2010 and was selected as the 2010 Artist-in-Residence at Webb School of Knoxville in Tennessee. His work has been exhibited and published in catalogs throughout The Americas & Europe.

He lives and works in New York City.

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this really comes in handy in regards to handling classroom management. Long story short, my classroom management course was miserable and I feel like a learned a little bit more at ease just by reading this book. I'm sure there are also many great resources out there to help new teachers and old teachers alike besides just this book alone, but I do recommend checking this one out.

[Pete Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most college prep classes cover a lot of learning theory, but they lack the necessary survival skills that a first-year teacher needs. When you're a new teacher, there are so many things that you don't know about, and this is where Kriegel's book comes to the rescue. (I should know as a retired teacher with thirty-one years of experience in elementary school. It is a practical book that offers much-needed help in many critical areas.

The layout of the book is excellent, beginning with all the things a skilled educator needs to do before the school year begins. There are many valuable suggestions about arranging desks, organizing a classroom, familiarizing yourself with the school's culture, and a host of other things to do before a child has walked into your class.

Another substantial area is the tips on how to work with children, the principal, and the students' families. The author pays particular attention to different ideas about how to communicate with parents. This valuable section suggests excellent ways to connect with parents who work and those who want to volunteer in your classroom or accompany the class on a field trip.

One of Kriegel's main points is the need to manage the workload and making time for yourself. Since teachers are regularly under stress, the author gives practical ideas on how to balance all the responsibilities that come with the job. I found this to be a comprehensive book that all first-year and young teachers should read.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives so many applicable tips and strategies that teacher's college never even touched on! A definite must-read for any new elementary school teacher.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still relevant, and perhaps even better because this wisdom is real, practical and not idealistic. It follows the school year with tips for every season and event, but it doesn't overload you. I wish I had had this my first year teaching, but I still brush up on these tips to keep the basics the focus.

[Emily Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit most of this stuff has so far been briefed over through my AA but it seems like pretty to the point. There a lot of really good things to take into consideration for future classes though

[Trena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I've been out of the classroom for 7 years and will be returning this fall.

[Sarah Bigham · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT overview!

[Blake Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can tell that some of this is outdated but some parts were still useful.

[Suzanne Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a new teacher? Or do you have a few years of experience in the education field? Either way, this book is a valuable resource for classroom teachers.

In a straightforward, friendly tone, Kriegel details all the things a teacher needs to know to keep those plates spinning; i.e., classroom management. In addition, he covers how to handle the massive amounts of paperwork, the endless after hours meetings, and how to keep up with all the phone calls and emails and visits with parents. Hint: set up a contact list with all of the parents’ email addresses at the very beginning of the school year. Use it as a mailing list.

He begins with the actual set up and organization of the classroom. He tackles common problems such as where to place backpacks, lunches, and coats. (Not every classroom has cubbies.) He even mentions classroom temperature, an often overlooked, but extremely important element in teaching. There are a number of reasons to keep your classroom on the brisk side. He gives ideas about how to get books for a classroom library and how to organize them.

One piece of advice I received from my master teacher was to get to know the office staff, custodial staff, and treat them as if they are gold. Kriegel reaffirms this in his book.

Once the classroom has been set up, the next thing is to consider, assignments, homework, and grading policies. Kriegel gave one of the better reviews for grading that I’ve ever seen. He also touches on the use of technology such as interactive whiteboards, tablets, and the vast online resources. I enjoyed his idea for having parents do some of the grade level work at Back to School Night, just for fun introduction game.

How do you get students’ attention? How do you handle station rotations? What do you do to get ready for a field trip? These questions are all answered with practical ideas.

He also clarifies what happens during conferences as well as in teacher evaluations. He recommends keeping meticulous records and plenty of copies of student work. Last of all, he advises teachers how to maintain balance and stay rested and healthy.

Overall, this book is one to keep on the resource shelf for new teachers, mentor teachers, as well as experienced teachers looking for new solutions for common classroom issues.

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Kiarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a primary education student, I think I need all the guidelines I can get when it comes to understanding what to anticipate when I start teaching. This book does not beat around the bush and gives me simple and effective knowledge. It also explains a level that anyone can comprehend, a plus in my book. It is engaging and I highly recommend it to prospective teachers everywhere.

[Reading Rediscovered · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some helpful things in here, but not as many as I thought there would be considering the title. I knew probably close to half of these things before I started, just because I knew what profession I was going into.

[Stephanie Borges Folarin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great little pocket resource for new elementary school teachers.

[Michelle's Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a lot of great infofmation.