When I first began teaching, teachers’ assistants did the paperwork for teachers. The assistants were used to copy papers, grade papers, put up bulletin boards, and any other tasks that did not involve teaching. They usually came by the classroom and asked if you had any needs for the day. They spent most of their time in their workroom working on papers and such.
Over the past couple of years, in my school, things have changed. Teachers’ assistants are now instructional assistants. They help during the instruction time. They do less of the copying and stapling and more tutoring and classroom time.
Having help in the classroom can be great. However, it can also take time and organization to get started. When I was first told that I would have an extra person in my room for 45 minutes, I had to decide how I would use the help.
I think that it works best for the instructional assistant to have a lesson plan just like that of the teacher. Therefore when I make my plans, I make note of what I will be doing during the 45 minutes as well as what my assistant will be doing.
On some days, she is assisting with my whole group instruction. She helps keep the children on task and checks for understanding.
Other days, I divide the class into groups. She takes a group and works on a specific skill. I take the other group of children and work on a specific skill. This works best by dividing the class by academic needs. I group children who have similar weaknesses.
Having help in your classroom can be a great asset to teaching. However if the help is not used properly, it can be a waste of time and education. Make sure that you always use your help to benefit the children.
Should You Request A Teacher for Your Child?