New teacher needs help!!!!?

Question

I will be starting my first year teaching social studies in Sept. I have the curriculum framework but I was not given the calendar which would tell me how long to spend on each unit. Being a new teacher I am really nervous to just start creating units without this type of guideline. Does anyone have any suggestions for what they do or what I should do? I really don't want to look incompetent. If necessary I will wait until the orientation but I really want to get moving with my planning. Thanks.

Answer 1

Most textbooks are set up to cover the necessary materials. Look through the book, and just get going. You will find that you will take more time at the beginning of the year, and will need to speed up to cover things at the end....so don't let yourself get behind.

Also, does your state have a curriculum guide? That would help you too.

Don't worry about looking incompetent...you will do fine...believe in yourself, and have a great first year!

Answer 2

Never developed high school curriculum, but did in college.

It's guesswork. You know the subject matter from the list. Shoot for completing the stuff a week before exams. That gives you time to review.

With no other guideline, I'd divide it into segments, one segment for each week. Say you have a list of 100 things you want to cover and 18 weeks to cover them. That's about 5 or 6 items a week. Order them by the textbook you have. Then go zipping through as fast as they can grasp the fundamentals. Things you have special knowledge about or interest in, you can spend a little more time on... if you find you have the time -- are running a little ahead of schedule.

Remember, it's  plan... it's subject to change... just as long as you cover everything in the time allotted.

I'm nor sure at what level you're teaching, but I'd suggest you tell your students that you have a lot cover in a very short time, and, while you'll do your best to answer some questions in class, you'll make time to see them before and after school. Encourage study-buddies and groups.

Also, don't waver on your grading standards. Let them know what you expect.

Your job is to present the material. Their job is to learn it. You are not going to crack their skulls open and pour in the data so they can vomit it out on a test. That's not education. that's merely training. You want them to learn and understand concepts. If they do that, it'll help the stuff come alive for them. Otherwise it'll just be names and dates.

Answer 3

What country are you in? This will help me answer your question as I am most familiar with rules/guidelines/regulations for Canadian teachers.  However, that said, reread your curriculum to see how much emphasis is placed on certain areas.  You can divide it up by topics- each topic receives a certain amount of hours, weeks, months, etc.  If that doesn't help, ask someone on staff you trust or feel comfortable with.  Or you know what? You're the professional that went to school for 4 years and got the degree so you just spend as much time as you see fit on the topic!  You have to cover the curriculum anyways so cover what you think will be the most interesting or most beneficial to your students.  That said, I've created units that I think are fab and the students think are boring so wait until you see what they really become interested in.  A few years ago my 5 day plan on studying pioneers became a month because the kids loved it so much! Do what you want and what you think should be done, you will be great! Hope this helps

Answer 4

You should ask your department chair or another teacher in your department what they do. I am in my third year teaching an all the teachers in my department ask each other for advice all the time.  No one will think you are incompetent.  In fact, it really flatters other teachers when you ask them for help.

If you can't talk to them, I wouldn't worry.  Just make sure you cover what they want you to cover.  Once the year gets started you can find someone you trust to talk to, and you will get a feel for what other teachers are doing.

Don't stress too much over the first year.  Just get through it!  I am sure you will be fine.  

Answer 5

This is not something you need to stress about at all. But it is important that you do have reasonable deadlines for students projects and assignments. Depending on what the assignment is you need to think realistly about what an appropriate amount of time would be. Most average monthly social studies projects are given 1 to 2 weeks to complete. Sit down for a few hours and set your own deadlines for the students. Most school expect teachers to be able to do this themselves. This would take way to much time and effort from the school to give every teacher assignment, project and homework deadlines. Really whatever you choose should work. Do remember that if the school is not taking responsibilitie for this then they obviously don't care that much so they will be happy with whatever deadlines you choose.