Any advice for work experience in infants school?

Question

Im working at an infants school for 2 weeks for my work experience. Has anyone any advice or tips as i have never been around children of this age so i am quite nervous about doing or saying something wrong. Thanks.

Answer 1

All these answers are great. A few more points -

Don't wear your best clothes - especially avoid long sleeves as no matter how much you try to avoid it, they will get dipped in paint, be used a handkerchiefs or useful tools to hold you at a table!

Also, don't expect to be able to answer every questions. It is ok to say I don't know, why don't we go and find out. You will be amazed at some of the questions you will be asked.

This age is a fantastic age group. They have not lost their sense of wonder and fun - you will laugh more in a day in class than you have before. Lucky you!

Answer 2

talk

Answer 3

I did mine in an infant school and it was absolutely brilliant.  Just make sure that you are completely enthusicastic sit with the children make sure you come down to their level when you are talking to them and not stand up straight over them.  Get involved in what they are doing  whether work or play and ask them questions.  Offer to help out with craft activities or with their spelling and maths.  Read books to the children and just become as involved as you can in the experience.  If you are anything at all like me you will absolutely love it.  Good luck

Answer 4

:)  That's my biggest piece of advice

Smile, laugh and have fun!

I teach classroom/nursery assistants and nursery nurses at a local college and the biggest tip I give them for their first week at placement is to show a great first impression by:

1) being early - so if you have to be a school for 8.45 then be there for 8.30 as it shows your keen.

2) smile - there is nothing worse than having a grumpy student in the corner of the room

3) Ask questions - your teachers will understand that you have not got a clue what to do, and that's fine :) Just ask, ask what they would like you to do.

4) Sit with the children - if in doubt just pull up a chair at a table and chat with the children. Talk to them about what they are doing. Praise them for what they have done.

Don't worry too much but some easy to remember  "no no's" are not to swear, call the children naughty, raise your voice ot sit doing nothing.

Enjoy yourself - children are great fun and if this is what you want to do as your career then you are entering in a very rewarding and valuable profession.

Answer 5

I did my work experience for two week too :)

It was fantastic. I really, really enjoyed it.

You have to get the balance right, but as friendly as loveable to kids as you can, (remember, no swearing, or anything obscene that'd upset/scare them, or get their parents p*ss*d off! :S)

But you also need to make a good, professional impression on the teacher, and appear respectful. That way the children will respect you as an "adult" i.e. someone not to mess with, if they do, they will get in trouble.

Just have fun! Playing with kids is great, they have the most amazing imaginations and are so funny!

A school is designed for THEM, so ensure they are safe, learning and above all, happy :)

Help them and cheer them up as much as you can, whilst ensuring they will listen to you and work when you tell them. But at the same, try to make a great impression on the teacher.

But don't worry. Relax and enjoy yourself, it'll be great! :) Plus, kids at that age won't understand "adult" talk - think about it, can you remember much of what your teachers said to you?

By the end of my two weeks I had kids hugging me saying "i love you"  it was ever so cute! Very worthwhile too. If your interested in working with children when you're older, it's so fascinating to observe them, learn about them, and if you're lucky, spend one on one time with them.

I hope you have fun! Good Luck!