1. Arrive Bright & Early

Aim to arrive at the school and in the classroom early enough to look over the cover work and plan lessons before the class arrives. These actions will reduce the nerves and ensure you are focused on greeting students and that you are in control. This will allow you to:

- Familiarise yourself with content, resources and presentations.

- Check the classroom has appropriate resources such as textbooks, stationary and other materials needed for class activities.

- If you are confused or do not understand specific instructions, you have time to ask other staff members for help.

- Accustom yourself with the classroom's layout and materials - housepoint board, educ national posters that you may be able to use during the lesson.

2. Focus on core subject skills

If you are teaching a specific subject, ensure that you are aware of learning objectives, success criteria and other important factors needed to teach the subject. The more you familiarise yourself with the subject, the more confident you will be with your delivery and making sure that students are meeting learning objectives - a quick google search of the subject won’t hurt! Being able to talk about success stories and strategies you’ve used to build core subject skills will help you stand out during the interview or trial day stages too.

3. Don’t be afraid to be creative!

Students will be much more engaged in the classroom when lessons are planned well and fun! Sometimes, the exciting tasks are never left for the cover teachers so this can be your chance to use your professional experience, judgement and imagination to make you stand out!

- Be crystal clear

- Break down learning

- Have fun activities planned

- Keep your eye on the time

- Follow up!

4. Maintain Strong Lesson Starts

Start your lesson with a fun activity. Always be prepared to give students a starter task to get them working and occupied. Your first activity doesn’t necessarily have to be a learning task, it just has to capture the children's attention and set the class’ behaviour for the rest of the lesson. These activities can range from:

- Creating anagrams of words

- A video

- A scrabble game

- Writing 5 things they learnt last lesson

- A mindfulness activity

- A number challenge

- This will make sure that students are busy and ready to learn as well as reinforcing positive behaviour.

5. Lastly, relax the night before

It is important not to stress too much before your trial! Eat healthy food, exercise, have a cup of tea, do a calming activity, light a candle and get a good night's sleep. Do whatever you would like to put you in a positive mind set for your trial day!

No one likes a cranky teacher :)

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Make sure you’re thinking about all of these factors during lessons - these are just some tips to prepare yourself for your next dream teaching job! You’ve got this and good luck.