28/09/2026
BEFORE YOU ENTER SCHOOL TOMORROW, ASK YOURSELF THESE 7 QUESTIONS AS A TEACHER
Sunday is a good time to pause and prepare yourself, not just your lesson notes.
Before you step into your classroom tomorrow, ask yourself these questions:
1. AM I READY TO TEACH, OR AM I JUST READY TO RESUME?
Resuming school is not the same as being mentally prepared to teach.
Ask yourself if you are ready to give your learners the patience, attention and energy they need.
Example:
If you know you have been feeling tired or distracted, take some time tonight to rest and prepare yourself emotionally for the new week.
2. DO I KNOW WHAT I WANT MY LEARNERS TO UNDERSTAND THIS WEEK?
Do not enter the classroom simply because you have a timetable.
Be clear about what you want your learners to know or be able to do after each lesson.
Example:
Instead of saying, "I will teach fractions," ask yourself, "What should my learners be able to do with fractions before I leave this class?"
3. AM I PREPARED FOR DIFFERENT LEARNING LEVELS?
Not every learner will understand your lesson at the same speed.
Think about how you will support the learner who understands quickly and the one who needs more explanation.
Example:
Prepare an additional simple example or activity for learners who may struggle with the main explanation.
4. HOW WILL I RESPOND WHEN A LEARNER MISBEHAVES?
Do not wait until a problem happens before deciding how to respond.
Think about how you can correct learners firmly without humiliating or labelling them.
Example:
Instead of saying, "You are always troublesome," address the behaviour: "This behaviour is not acceptable. Please correct it."
5. WHAT CAN I DO DIFFERENTLY THIS WEEK?
Every new week is an opportunity to improve something.
Think about one area of your teaching that needs attention.
Example:
If your class has been too noisy, you may decide to introduce a clear attention signal instead of shouting.
6. HAVE I PREPARED MY MATERIALS AND RECORDS?
Good teaching requires preparation.
Check your lesson plans, teaching aids, assignments, assessment records and other materials before the week begins.
Example:
If you are teaching a lesson that requires pictures, objects or charts, prepare them before entering the classroom.
7. WHAT KIND OF TEACHER DO I WANT MY LEARNERS TO EXPERIENCE THIS WEEK?
This is perhaps the most important question.
Do you want to be remembered only as the teacher who taught the lesson, or as the teacher who made learning easier, safer and more meaningful?
Your attitude matters.
Your words matter.
Your preparation matters.
Your response to mistakes matters.
TEACHERS, A NEW SCHOOL WEEK IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH BETTER, RELATE BETTER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Prepare your lesson.
Prepare your materials.
But most importantly, **prepare yourself.**
Have a productive and impactful week ahead.
