1. Go to sleep early.
Try and get the 8 hours sleep you need to function, staying up that extra hour to watch an average tv programme will not be worth it. If you really want to watch it, catch up at the weekend. Go to bed, get some rest.
2. Drink lots of water.
I have spent weeks on end going home from school with a banging headache due to dehydration. Try to stay off caffeinated drinks - some schools don't allow you to have hot drinks in the classroom anyway so don't be reliant on them. Keep that water flowing.
3. Don't be afraid to ask.
If you are dying to try something out or you want to have more responsibility in the classroom, don't be afraid to ask your teacher, they will reward your confidence. The worst outcome is 'no' but for the majority of the time, you speaking up will be encouraged, teachers want to know what you want.
4. Try things.
Similarly to my above point, don't be afraid to ask to try new things. Teachers will reward your bravery and if you mess up, it's not your class anyway so the teacher can amend things. There is absolutely no harm in making a mistake, every single teacher in your school, country and world will have made a mistake before so no one is going to mind. As a teacher it is our job to create a classroom where children feel safe to make mistakes (Wiliam, 2015) and if you feel confident enough to make mistakes then the children also will.
5. Go to extra-curricular clubs.
Make the most of the whole school experience, this includes going to after school or lunchtime clubs, especially those that are out of your comfort zone. It is always good to see children outside of the classroom and by participating in clubs you will be given this opportunity.
6. Make friends with everyone.
It is important that you show that you can work well as a team, and by team, this means everyone- from the cleaner to the cook. If you are friendly, approachable and respect them then it will be reciprocated, you never know, it might even mean an extra piece of cake...
7. Don't waste time.
I understand that it is important that teaching files and folders are kept neat and tidy, however spending a few hours every evening making them look really pretty is not at all necessary. Spend your time productively, using 50 different coloured highlighters is not a good way to spend it.
8. Hair up.
Unless it's a special occasion, I always try to have my hair up for the school day. Not only is there less chance of you contracting head lice (which is obviously always a risk in primary schools), but also your hair stays cleaner for longer as you're not putting your hands through it constantly and it's not in your face. The more you play with your hair, the less confident you look. Have it up, out of the way and forget about it.
9. Don't wear heels.
Think realistically about the profession you are going in to. The majority of your day is going to be spent walking (or if you're in foundation then crawling) around the classroom and so being comfortable is key to enjoying this. Children will not appreciate you any more if you wear high heels than if you wear flat shoes, in fact they will find you twisting your ankle or falling over hilarious.
10. Enjoy it.
Cherish your experience and take every opportunity you can. You have been given the opportunity to gain experience from some amazing teachers, be grateful for this and make it count.
Wiliam, D. (2015) How do we prepare our students for a world we cannot imagine? [Lecture to Staff and Students]. Plymouth University. 4th March.
