Starting Out Guide For Newly Qualified and Trainee Teachers

Looking after yourself

6 teachers have added to this page
Add to this page by clicking here.

« »

Looking after your voice

Like actors, singers and other professional voice users, the voice is one of your most valuable tools, but many teachers underestimate the importance of looking after their voice.

Don’t accept sore throats and husky voices as an occupational hazard. Putting the voice under continual strain can lead to long-lasting damage. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to ensure you look after your voice.

Ways to take care of your voice:

  • Drink plenty of water during the day to ensure your throat is lubricated.
  • Stand up straight and keep your eyes forward, when speaking, creating a 90 degree angle between your spine and line of vision.
  • Rest your voice whenever it is possible.
  • Avoid shouting – quick changes in volume can put a strain on the voice. This is also important for behaviour management, as if you shout, it is impossible to become any louder should the need present itself. If you do have to shout, try to drop the volume as soon as possible.
  • Vary the tone and speed of your speech. Speaking quickly all the time indicates tension and can affect the voice.
  • Use non-verbal signs that your pupils recognise in order to reduce the use of your voice.
  • Take regular breaks during the day.
  • Keep plants in your classroom, with water around the base to help combat dry air.
  • Ask if your local authority offers any Inset training with regards to voice training and care for teachers.

Avoid these:

х Constant talking, possibly in a dry atmosphere, takes its toll.
х Avoid dairy products – they can encourage the secretion of phlegm, which interferes with the vocal cords.
х Avoid smoking, smoky atmospheres and hot, dry air.
х Avoid medication, such as anti-histamines, that can have a drying effect.

If you continue to feel worried about your voice, visit your GP and seek his or her advice.

Rating 3.00 out of 5
[?]

Page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ALL


This post is tagged , , , , , , ,






Improve this section of the Starting Out Guide

What would you add to this section of our Starting Out Guide to help newly qualified teachers? Maybe you have an experience, annectdote, resource or idea you'd like to share. Read what other teachers have added and make your additions here.

6 teachers have added to this guide



  1. Jan 6th, 2009

    clare said:

    I talk things through with a trusted colleague. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. My head feels much lighter afterwards.



  2. Jan 6th, 2009

    daffyd said:

    My pressure point is always report writing. As a PE teacher I see more children than many of my colleagues and often have to write hundreds of reports. I left it so late to start one year, that I nearly went mad trying to finish them all. Now I set myself 10 per day in the weeks leading up to the deadline, which doesn’t feel so arduous.



  3. Jan 6th, 2009

    dalveer said:

    During my interview, the head kept making a fuss about the fact I played the trumpet, which I mentioned on my application form.

    He asked me if I’d be interested in running the school orchestra, as the head of music was very busy. I said I might be. But when I was offered the job, I decided I’d needed to concentrate on my teaching for the first year.

    The head kept trying to persuade me, but I stood my ground, saying I’d be happy to do it the following year – which I did. I really enjoy running the orchestra, but it’s quite a big commitment and I still think it would have been too much in my first year.



  4. Jan 6th, 2009

    ewan said:

    In busy times, like report writing or during the SATS preparation, I try to think of ways to ease my marking load. I build some opportunities into my lessons for students to mark their own work, peer mark or set tasks that can be assessed with verbal feedback. The children benefit too, as they love getting instant feedback!



  5. Jan 6th, 2009

    james said:

    Invest in a paper shredder, then write it all down. Get everything that’s bothering you about colleagues, senior staff or even pupils down on paper, then shred it. This has the effect of shredding the bad day – very cathartic.



  6. Jan 6th, 2009

    keira said:

    I order a grande latte at my favourite café! At least twice a week, a group of us go out for coffee together after school. It’s a great opportunity to get things off your chest. It’s reassuring to know other people are having problems and we usually end up laughing about them, which helps get things into perspective.

Web pages linking to this part of our guide

Join the discussion:

You have to be logged in to add content to our guide.

Log in or Register now.

Ways to connect

icons