On 6/04/09, CTstudentteach wrote:
> Does anyone have any recommendations as to what I can do
> this summer to prepare for student teaching? I will be ST
> in 4th grade...

You've already gotten some good advice. Absolutely, you
should contact your CT and arrange to meet her. (Most
colleges require this anyway. If yours doesn't, make
arrangements on your own. ). Ask what time you should arrive
the first day, and plan to be earlier than that. Whatever you
do, do not be late!!!!! If school is still in session, check
to see what your CT and other staff members are wearing. Ask
for a copy of the class list and if you can borrow some copies
of student books. ( Most teachers are only given one copy of
teacher's manuals, so she probably can't loan you those. )
Other things you might want are a copy of the
handwriting/printing system ( and practice it all summer until
it's second nature to you), and a copy of the school
handbook. Ask her what a normal day looks like (although in
almost 40 years in the classroom, I never had a "normal" day
:) ) . Ask if there is anything you can prepare for her ahead
of time, like a bulletin board or project. Ask if she would
like you to come in before school starts and help get the
classroom ready. Most of all, let her see that you are eager
and ready to work hard. Remember that a positive attitude is
everything!! Close by thanking her for giving you this
opportunity. ( Contrary to what some STs on this board think,
having a student teacher is a lot of extra work for a CT.)

During the summer, take a good multivitamin every day. Get
lots of rest. You are going to be exposed to a hurricane of
germs and you need to start building up your immune system.
Make sure any summer job you have is over a week before
school starts. Do NOT plan to work while student teaching!!!
This has been the undoing of more student teachers than I can
count.

Go through your closet and pick out suitable clothes for
student teaching. Avoid denim, very casual clothes,
flip-flops, etc. No jeans!! Clothes should be comfortable,
and have room to move. Make sure that you can bend over and
sit down without being "overexposed". Shoes should also be
comfortable, but supporting. You are going to spend long days
on your feet. Avoid heels and strappy sandals. Most teachers
dress in casual/professional clothes, not business attire.
You do not need a suit.

Mostly, try to have a restful, fun-filled summer. This is
going to be your last completely "free" summer for a very
long time. Enjoy it!

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