Be kind, but not too formal. He is genuinely the most understanding and sweetest teacher on the face of the Earth. You are so effing lucky to have him be your guide for the year. Just be active in class, and try your best.

Read the books, and you will do well on the reading tests. Very important to read all the directions too. Writing is the most important in the class so focus your energy on that. lots of unconventional testing and projects (group tests, singing a song, creative expression). Super fun! Yes, I did say singing is a part of the class, everybody does it, don't worry you aren't graded on how well you sing and you can have a friend sing with you. :)