Here are some tips to better prepare you for your classroom experience.
- Before attending classes in the lower grades, you may want to detach and separate perforated materials. This will save you time and allow the students to concentrate more on the lessons.
- If you would like to bring in a treat for the students, please be sure to check with the teacher first, as some students may be highly allergic to certain items.
- Be honest! If you don't know an answer, tell the students you do not know. Suggest that everyone reseach the answer and talk about it the following week.
- Try using open-ended questions. Children in the lower grades may need you to give them a "multiple choice" or "either or" question.
- Note how the teacher uses the board. You may need to write information on a poster board or flip chart. If the teacher has a full chalkboard, you may want to write vocabulary words on a large poster board and bring them to class.
- Never assume full responsibility of a class. A teacher should be in the classroom with you at all times.
- Ask the teacher if it is o.k. to go over the time limit if needed. (some students switch rooms).
- Writing learning objectives on the board helps the class session to stay focused.
- Don't spend too much time on the lecture. Activities are always a fun way to learn.
- Be prepared for an unprepared class. It is possible that you may find that a class is running late due to the last project they were working on.
- Remind the students about what they learned the week prior to your current visit and at the end of each session tell the students what they will learn the following week.
- Always sign in at the office to let them know a visitor is coming to the school.
- Be prepared for inquisitive young people. Middle grade students are known for asking personal questions (how much money do you make? are you married, do you have children, etc.)
- Tell the students when and how many times you will visit the class.