Keep an open mind.

Be flexible and try to have as much patience as possible!

Try to connect with each student, even those that might not seem to like you.

Have a blast, stay positive, soak up as much as you can from your teacher and enjoy the experience!

Pray.

Learn from your students.

Smile, even when you feel stressed.

Keep a sense of humor all the time!

No limits.  Time is short & there’s a lot of information and experiences to take in.

Don’t act like you are only going to be there for 2 weeks and then gone.  

Take the time to get to know the students, like you would if you were going to be there the whole year.

Help as much as you can – the school can always use more help.

Look for things for your portfolio.

Take lots of pictures of bulletin boards.

Take water and snacks.

Some teachers may take advantage of your help to have you do their dirty work.  Just smile and get it done fast.

You may not get free reign with certain things like bulletin boards or lessons so be prepared.

Ask lots of questions.  The mentor teacher is there to help you out.

If you can stay at the school longer for more insight, it is worth it.

Be prepared to be flexible.  Let the teacher know what you have to do for your portfolio, but be flexible with tasks they give you.

Always look at your experience in a positive light.  There is always something to learn-even when everything is going wrong.

Be prepared to make a lot of copies.

Ask the teacher what you can do.  Go out of your way and they’ll go out of their way for you.

Organization is a great tool for the laid back.

Listen to your cooperating teacher’s experience.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Try to be outgoing and let your kids see your real personality.

Spend time with the students outside of the academic setting: recess, lunch, after school.

Get to know the inner workings of the school: office, after school extras, involved parents.

You can get along with people who believe very different things than you do.

You can make beautiful art from pipe cleaners.

Be open and willing to try things that would otherwise be out of your comfort zone.

Take notes throughout the day because you are learning so much it’s hard to remember everything.

Don’t be afraid to be stern with the students because they will respect you more.

If a student is having difficulties working with others or paying attention, actually take the time to see what is bothering the student or how he or she is feeling.  Many times all the student needs is someone to listen.

Take advantage of the opportunities you get.

Make sure you prepare and plan extra just in case.

Be willing to get involved in whatever they want you to do because it results in a more diverse experience.

Get to know the other faculty members and get information from them as well.

Be ready for anything.

Keep up to date on journals and reports, so that they don’t pile up.

During your first week, ask as many questions as you need to.  Experienced teachers love to share their knowledge with you.  It helps to learn as much as possible.  Ask questions like crazy!

Enjoy yourself because you’ll miss the kids when you leave.

Don’t freak if all your plans fall apart.

Have a short one-on-one talk with each student.

Have fun!

Use fabric for your background. It is easier to put up and change versus butcher paper.

Print out or copy graphics onto colored paper so that you don't have to color.

Search the internet for ideas if you are stumped.

Think of a clever slogan or theme.

Don't be afraid of letting your bulletin board be interactive. 

Let your students get involved.