Yes, get used to riding them with the straps loose (at least on one side). Pulling your feet out will be slower then with clipless pedals, so watch carefully for stop signs and traffic. Use smooth soled shoes if possible since grippy shoes will be harder to enter and exit from the clips.

When you want to insert your feet into the clips, you can usually flip them over by giving the crank a good hard stroke with your other foot to flip the clip over. If that doesn't work, you need to use your toe to flip it over. Try to avoid pedalling on the wrong side of the pedal since that will usually cause the toe clips to drag on the ground and scratch them up.

If you're still having trouble, try using the toe clips with the straps removed. That will make entry/exit easier, at the cost of a little efficiency.