Inside: You are a new toddler teacher who has questions! Here are the best tips from those who have years of experience teaching toddlers.
You are a new toddler teacher and don’t know where to start. I’ve been there. I remember well. I needed a resource that included tips for the new toddler teacher.
I was nervous. Do you feel that way?
Many of my readers message me looking for help. I decided to ask my Facebook readers what tips they’d give. Readers who have experience teaching those energetic toddlers. I got some really good suggestions so I decided to put them all in a blog post. And here it is!
Tips for the New Toddler Teacher From Those With Experience
- A schedule is a must, but don’t stress if you get off-track a bit.
- Always stay positive.
- If all else fails, jam out to great music.
CLICK HERE to see our toddler schedule!
- It’s okay if they get messy.
- Remember that the kids will get really attached to you.
- Enjoy them and laugh it off and everyone will be happier!
- Let them create art their own way.
- Be consistent and patient.
CLICK HERE to see our favorite process art activities!
- Build potty time into your schedule every hour as a transition between activities.
- When they get energetic, dance!
- Create as much of a positive environment as possible.
- Pick your battles.
CLICK HERE to see music that gets the wiggles out!
- Let them explore!
- Keep circle time short.
- Simply never underestimate their abilities and intelligence!
CLICK HERE for my favorite circle time tips!
- Have lots of visuals.
- Use felt pieces for stories and songs.
- Make a personal connection with each one of them.
CLICK HERE for our most popular circle time props packet!
- Read stories and use puppets during circle time.
- Sing silly songs with hand/arm/body movements.
- Take time to observe your students – you can learn so much about them by just watching.
- It’s okay to let them have their favorite toy or blankie for comfort.
- Give hugs!
- Laminate pictures of Mommy so they can see her as needed.
- Give them sand and water.
CLICK HERE for tips on handling separation anxiety.
- They will make messes. Count on it.
- Use redirection rather than time-outs.
- Keep modeling what you want them to do – it can take many, many repeated efforts before they grasp it.
CLICK HERE the best ways to handle transitions!
- Give them little jobs so they feel involved.
- Stick to a routine and always let them know what is coming next.
- Encourage them to make their own choices when possible.
- Be prepared to go off “topic” often – have alternative ideas on hand.
- Have fun!
- Be flexible, like you never imagined.
- Engage in conversation during snack and lunch time.
- Play with them during free play.
READ HERE about the benefits of play.
- Know every day will be different, exciting and new!
- Always have bubbles.
- Be at their level when talking to them.
- Never talk across the room but instead go to them and then talk.
- Give them time. Let them try to do it themselves before doing it for them.
- Help them understand their feelings of frustration.
- Give cuddles.
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make sure to have multiples of everything! The thing you have only one of becomes really valuable, lol
Absolutely true!
I taught 2s this year for the first time and this was a wonderful list! This site has been a tremendous blessing to me as I ‘figured’ things out. You are definitely right about having random dance parties! I also thought that it was good to have a consistent morning and end of day song for the kids to look forward to every time we met! It was helpful in establishing that ‘flexible’ routine you mentioned! Thanks for all that you do! I wish my own kids could have you as their teacher! 🙂
Oh, yes, very good idea with the morning and end-of-day songs! We do both each day and the they look forward to them. Thank you for the kind words!
I love the idea of a beginning song and an end of the day song. What songs are you using?
Our good morning song is to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It” –
Good morning, good morning, how are you?
Good morning, good morning, how are you?
It’s such a special day, I’m glad you came to play!
Good morning, good morning, how are you?
Our closing song is one that I might have made up. It’s been so long I cannot remember! But basically I sing good bye to each child, tapping his/her head as I do so.
Good bye Tanner, Good bye Lily, Good bye Amelia, we’re glad you came to day. I just continue until I’ve come to the last set of children.
As someone who has worked with this age for almost 6 years, I am now a stay at home mom of twins who are 1 and this is one of the best lists I have seen yet! One thing I would like to add is that for circle time, each one of our little ones had their own special rug with their picture on it and they got to pick where they wanted to sit on the “big carpet” as they named it. It was very important to them to allow them to pick where they wanted to sit.
Great suggestion! Our 3’s have their own personal mat to sit on, but we choose where it goes to encourage them to sit by different friends each day.
Learn to squat to be at their level. Look a child in the eye when they tell you something. Every word is very important. It’s how they FEEL. Listen.
It’s ok to love a child in your care. You’ll be able to let them go when it’s time. They may not remember your name of face but they will will remember the love.
I always sat on the floor instead of a chair. I felt that the children would feel comfortable and less threatened. If there’s a song the children liked the most, I sang it everyday, but it still introduced new songs to keep them from getting bored.
I used to be able to sit on the floor and loved it. Arthritis and age have made that difficult now. 🙁
I have had 2’s for nearly 20 yrs. Teach them what to do! Teach them to put that coat on or shoes on instead of doing it for them. Be proactive instead of reactive. Set up your classroom for success. Tantrums happen,give them a safe place to go work it out.
I always finish my circle time telling them “you are smart, you are kind and you are important”! And “life is good!”
I also do a little meditation before circle time, we just hold our hands, close our eyes for few seconds I made the ummmm sound then I tell them open your eyes and take a deep breath. We repeat that few time and always work! help them settle. 😊
I love that, Monica!
Thank you so much for this! I am a new lead teacher of the younger side of our 2-3 year old room. So I have 7 newly 2 year olds that I am in charge of. There are 21 altogether. I am 4 weeks in to the new job and I am still crying almost daily. I feel like I can’t do it and am questioning myself daily. I found your blog today and I am loving it so far and I am so thankful I have this resource. Do you have any tips about getting through the self-doubt and feelings of failure? Thank you!
Hi Amanda! I’ve recently discussed this in my newsletter and also in my private teaching group. The first few weeks can be very draining. It’s really important that you find time for yourself. Self-care is critical always, but especially during this time. You might need to simplify things – less is really best until you feel you have a handle on your new class. After 20 years, I still need to do a lot of adjusting during the back to school period. If you are interested, you can request to join my private group called Teaching Toddlers and Preschoolers – you would get a lot of support over there. It’s a great mix of brand-new teachers and veteran teachers. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/349498425589921/ Hang in there. You are definitely not alone! ~Sheryl
great
I am loving this group, I am a preschool teacher
Thank you, Joyce. I am so happy you are here!