I have now spent two full weeks in my second placement.  And my experience has taught me some important and not-so-important lessons.  Never wear white pants, avoid the principal if you can, don't be the one who broke the copy machine, don't bring the kids late to gym class, use more than worksheets in your lessons, don't drop the J-word (Jesus), it's okay to swear like a sailor (as long as you pretend the kids didn't hear you), and whatever you do, don't spell out words for the kids when they ask, "Ms. Rock, how do you spell ______?". I can't say that I agree with all of these words of wisdom from various teachers and staff, but there are things that I have picked up here that I will never forget as long as I live.

1) Children do not need you to be their friend, they need you to be their teacher.  A 5-year-old child needs the discipline, the routine, and the structure if they are going to thrive in a learning environment.  If they are allowed to do whatever they want to, they will get into things that will harm them or others.  Children feel safe when they know that someone is watching out for them and holding them accountable.

2) Teaching is all about preparation.  Take advantage of prep time during the day, it may be your only opportunity to find that one book or to discuss ideas with another teacher.  These prep times are brain breaks as well as opportunities to be less-stressed later on.

3) Do not let yourself be pushed around.  Most teachers have a Type A, take-charge personality which can sometimes come off as pushy or controlling when they are under pressure.  It is important for more sensitive people (like myself) to remember not to take these things personally.

4) Roll with it.  :)  Things will NEVER go exactly as planned.  And sometimes, that's a good thing!