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v   Bloomington Library is a wonderful place to go to get books, movies, and information etc. when planning your unit. If you live in Normal, get a library card at the Normal Public Library, then you are allowed to use it at the Bloomington Public Library.

v   Take pictures of everything! (Great projects planned by you, your cooperating teacher, or other teachers in the building)

v   Keep a log, or journal of “teaching ideas”

v   Keep ISU information in one place! You will refer to it often.

v   Plan ahead, and stay caught up! Do not let yourself get behind on anything. This is not a time when you can procrastinate.

v   Stay organized. Invest in many pocket folders, they are wonderful!

v   Always, always, always reflect on the lessons that you teach. Most lessons will not go perfectly, and that is OK, if you learn from your mistakes. Record the things that went well, and the things that you would change if you ever taught the lesson again.

v   Go to your cooperating teacher, ISU supervisor, or other teachers in the building for materials and ideas. They know what they are doing, and are usually happy to share with you!

v   Take advantage of the free time you will have at the beginning of your student teaching, because as the semester progresses, you will be taking on more and more until you are teaching full time. The first month is a great time to take care of most of the “ISU Requirements”

v   Iron your clothes, and fix your lunch the night before. If you wake up late, it will allow you more time to get ready.

v   Take time on the weekends (maybe not the entire weekend) for yourself. If you stay caught up during the week, it shouldn’t be a problem.

v   Ask your cooperating teacher, ISU supervisor, and possibly your principal, or teachers in the building that you worked with for a letter of recommendation before the end of the semester.