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Walking into your very first classroom as a student teacher can be a stressful situation. You are responsible for a whole class of students and there are expectations placed on you. Expectations from colleagues, the principle, the learners, the parents, and those expectations you have for yourself. It can be incredibly daunting, and overwhelming. However, by being prepared you can help minimize the impact of the stress associated with being a new teacher. Follow the ten useful tips we have provided below.
- Write a friendly note introducing yourself to your colleagues, students, and parents. Make sure this note is distributed to everyone. Tell them why you chose to be a teacher, your interests and hobbies, what you plan to gain from your practice teaching and that you are looking forward to sharing this time with them.
- Get to know the teacher/teachers you will be working in the classroom with. What is their background, preferred teaching methods etc. The more you understand about them the more they will be interested in learning about you. Ensure to find out how many learners are in the class, the gender mix, the cultural differences and needs, and the learning styles and challenges of the children. Familiarize yourself with the classroom routine and timetables.
- Talk to your supervising teacher about their expectations and make a note of these.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The supervising teacher needs to know what your expectations are.
- Organize your teaching into blocks of time. Allow time for observation, and slowly increase this time each week. Note the lessons you are responsible for each day. You will need time to prepare for your lessons, and personally evaluate your performance so schedule time for these into your day. Your supervising teacher plays an important role in your practice teaching so put aside time every day to ask for their feedback, and suggestions.
- Know the curriculum areas to be taught for the period of your practicum and write detailed lesson plans that are easy to follow.
- Your lessons will not always go as you planned. Be flexible, and have a backup plan. This backup can be reading a story, playing a game, or taking a nature walk in the playground. It is not the end of the world if your lesson does not go as planned. Write up your evaluation and what you learned from the experience.
- It is through the observation of other teachers that you will build your own style of teaching. Keep a private diary that you write in every day. Observe your supervising teacher/s and note the positive and negative aspects of their teaching.
- Networking with other student teachers is a great way of giving and receiving ideas will on practical. Ring your student friends and share your experiences.
- A pleasant gesture and way of bringing closure to your practicum is to send a thank you note to your supervising teacher/s, and students. Do this after you have completed your time at the school.
Like anything we undertake in life, practice teaching is what you make of it. Increase your pleasure by being pleasant to others, slotting into the routine of the supervising teacher/s, being flexible and cheerful, being well prepared, and experiencing and learning as much as you can. And remember to have fun!
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