tips from a newcomer:

do whatever it takes to keep your energy at a high level- it's almost impossible to fail when your heart is on your sleeve.

prepare to throw all of your preparations to the wind. They may be bored. They may be grumpy. Your lesson plan might have to be shortened or lengthened or scratched completely. Think ahead about what might go wrong so that you are prepared for improvisation.

listen to the teacher's input. If you don't agree with it, be polite, and continue the best way you can.

save up money for stickers. They can turn the worst flop into a success for at least one moment.

enjoy being a volunteer. Use your weekly visits to bring your life into the classroom. You have the opportunity to have fun and to be friends with these kids without having to simultaneously be the disciplinarian.

think actively why you respond to certain students the way that you do. What about their personality makes you want to hug them? Who drives you nuts? Why? It's a good way to evaluate your fairness and attention to individual students.

don't be surprised if a child discloses something personal or frightening to you- it might even happen the first day. Reassure them of their braveness in telling you and report it. Immediately.

wear a name tag. Do whatever it takes to learn their names quickly.

don't be deterred by an "English-only" atmosphere. If you can speak another language, joke with the kids in that language. Tailor a reading to that culture. Include the child in the story-telling. Ask them for help in pronunciation. They love to show you the right way. Let them laugh at your accent.

allow yourself to feel attached to the students. So what if you might only be able to have three months with them- that fact should give you the chance to make a spectacular splash for thirty hours you get to spend with them.