Trainee teacher booklist

Here is a list of the books I have bought so far for September:

• ‘Beginning Teaching, Beginning Learning in Primary Education’ – Janet Moyes
• ‘The Lazy Teacher’s Handbook’ – Jim Smith
• ‘Learning to Teach in the Primary School’ – James Arthur, Teresa Grainger, David Wray
• ‘Teaching Skills for Dummies’ – Sue Cowley
• ‘Reflective Teaching’ – Andrew Pollard
• ‘Achieving QTS: Successful Teaching Placement’ – Jane Medwell
• ‘Achieving QTS: Primary English – Knowledge and Understanding’ – Medwell
• ‘Achieving QTS: Primary Mathematics – Knowledge and Understanding’ – Mooney
• ‘Achieving QTS: Primary Science – Knowledge and Understanding’ – Peacock
• ‘Achieving QTS: Assessment for Learning and Teaching’ – Briggs
• ‘Achieving QTS: Teaching Arts in Primary Schools’ – Penny
• ‘Achieving QTS: Professional Studies’ – Jacques
• ‘Reflective Reader: Primary Special Educational Needs’ – Soan

I’m aware that this list might seem a little exhaustive and you’re probably wondering how I managed to afford so many books when many teaching books are so expensive. Well, I bought most of them second hand for a few pounds each! Originally I was looking on all kinds of websites and in bookstores but they were ridiculously over-priced. I really wanted to do some reading before the course started so I had a good idea of how to plan, assess, observe, etc whilst on placement. In total I have spent about £30 on books, which could have cost me over £100 if I bought them new. Some people say that you shouldn’t buy all the books recommended to you by your university or course, but I love to read and I wanted to mentally prepare myself before September. I’m not expected to know everything before then, but it definitely helps to know your stuff so that you can cope better with the demands of the course.

I bought most of my books on eBay and World of Books. If you are interested in buying second hand books to help you with your studies (regardless of what course you are doing), look for ones in ‘Very Good’ condition (‘Like New’ would be preferable, but we all know most study books aren’t going to be like that!) and buy books in ‘Good Condition’ as a last resort. Don’t buy books listed as ‘Acceptable’ because they may have been previously highlighted in, scribbled in, have pages torn out… let’s not go there! I hate books that haven’t been looked after!

For my next post I will try and write a review on the first book I read an completed from the list, which is ‘Successful Teaching Placement’ by Jane Medwell. The book was very helpful and well written!

Before I go, I’d like to thank everyone who has followed my blog and liked my posts so far! It means a lot! 🙂

Rachel