ABSTRACT
The delivery of the lesson in the classroom represents the tip of the iceberg, while the bulk of the teacher’s work for a lesson – routines, preparation, subject knowledge, professional knowledge and judgement, previous lesson evaluations – is hidden. The chapter explores the importance of personal attributes and how teachers personify the role of ‘the teacher’. It looks at how teachers can use verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to develop their confidence to deliver lessons. The chapter explores the importance of understanding routines. Verbal communication is important. Many student teachers focus on what they say and can spend a long time perfecting their teacher input, often learning a script like the lines of a play. Over time teachers will move away from scripted towards a more natural performance. Routines for class and lesson management provide a structure where the rules are understood by all so that learning can take place.
