2. At the middle school level, it is absolutely guaranteed that you will have at least two kids cry over opening their locker on the first day of school. You will also have at least two kids who are lost and wander into your classroom at the wrong time. :)
3. There is never enough glue! Glue sticks...glue bottles...there is never enough!
4. I've learned that Panera Bread Company soup cures most Open House/Parent-Teacher conference jitters for me. Something about warm soup makes me feel less nervous!
5. It's important to laugh with your students. Last year, my students and I got into a laughing fit over the word, "Uranus." We all couldn't stop laughing! (I mean, come on, the planet's name is absolutely hysterical!) It's important to not take yourself too seriously.
6. I always seem to be losing black Sharpies...I think my students eat them.
7. If you throw in a One Direction reference into any lesson you immediately engage everyone. The girls: "Ahhh, oh my gosh!!" The boys: "Gross Mrs. Tackett they're dumb!"
8. Sometimes you have to turn the light off in your classroom and pretend you're not in there so that you can actually accomplish something during your plan time. There would be days that I would hide out in the back corner of my classroom just so no one would bother me!
9. I have Lifesaver wintergreen mints on my desk during the first week of school. I eat them constantly so I don't lose my voice! It really works!
10. Smelly stickers motivate anyone. Any age, anytime. :)