How to prepare yourself for the class?

You will never have a second chance to make the first impression

Coco Chanel

Preparation for the class has incredible impact on your success as a teacher, especially if we speak of the first lesson with a new group of students. Sometimes it is the question of luck or intuition, but most of the time it is the experience you have. It is almost impossible to be right every time, but having a scheme what to do can help a lot.

So what should you start with? I suggest you looking closely at yourself. You are the person students look at, so start with yourself. These are just some things you need to think of:

• Attitude

What is your attitude towards yourself? Are you self-confident enough? Do you show self-respect? 

I remember my school teacher of Maths. She was always positive and cheerful. Every time she entered the class you could see her smiling. Confident. Enthusiastic. Passionate for work. Those are the words to describe her. I felt myself full of energy after her lessons. 
Take a moment to remember your favourite teacher from school or college. What was so special about that person? 

• Appearance

The outfit should fit the situation. Your outfit for the party won't work for giving a lesson. The dressing style of a teacher represents the level of professionalism at some cases and even can influence the decision of a student to stay at this group or find another. Personal advice: don't wear too many shining things, they destruct the students from the subject itself.

• Speech

The words you use can form the first impression as well as the appearance. They reflect the inner world of a person. Try to practice saying aloud the most important information of the lesson or some piece of grammar material or even instructions in order to sound them logical and clear.

Good luck!