Teachers.....any advice for student teaching??

[KarenB]

I will begin my student teaching on Tuesday. My placement begins in second grade then on to fourth grade. I am a bit nervous.....it is like starting a new job...not quite sure where to go, where to sit, when to jump into the conversation, etc. I have 2 wonderful co-op teachers. I have to develop a unit for each placement and my unit will be weather for second grade which I will LOVE to do!!!!

Any advice on what to do, or what not to do????? My own children that are in middle school have given me plenty, but I would like to hear it from a teacher! LOL! Thanks!

Karen

oh......do you think I should talk "Disney" a lot or keep it to a minimum??

 

[Suzy Mouse]

1. Open, honest relationship with cooperating teachers. Ask them what they want your role to be.
2. Be firm and consistent with the students. Don't try to be their friend. It's easier to loosen the reins than to tighten them.
3. Make sure you ask the teachers any questions that you might have. Don't be afraid.
4. Observe...observe...observe I always looked to see which kids clicked...which ones didn't. Also look at their reading levels and comfort levels before you start taking over. Look at how they grade things...average things...organize their materials.
5. Enjoy yourself. Before you know it it'll be over and you're going to be on your own.

That's it for now. It's been a while since my student teaching experience. I have had 2 student teachers since I've been teaching and I have always found that open communication helps the most!!
Good luck!

 

[Saffron]

Oh Karen! That is so exciting! I'm nervous for you too! LOL! It's a good nervous though! I wish you all the best! Have a great time!

 

[bobcat]

Ask questions! This is a great time to learn how your co operating teachers do their jobs. You can pick up great ideas from organization to making do with what you have to how to interact with students. One of the things I was grateful for was my co-operating teacher really gave me a good sense of what I needed to do daily in my own classroom. Because of all her ideas and sharing of information I felt really comfortable my first year of teaching.

These are the things you don't learn in class.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Body Armor

 

[Kallison]

Be kind and fair as well as firm. Hopefully you will get a good teacher to observe and you can follow her lead. Keep Disney talk to a minimum. Some kids have never been and it will make them feel bad especially at that age.