Ozwin Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 I know we have had teachers/trainees on here. Going into placement tomorrow, little unsure as to what will be expected of me on day one. Would be nice to go in with a little knowledge as we've pretty much been told nothing. I'm guessing the whole point is that tomorrow will be finding out what our roles/classes/timetable etc will be but has anyone worked alongside or as a TA in the past and can give a little advice?
SemperEadem Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Work as a behavioural learning support assistant in the inclusion department in a school so not too dissimilar to TA role. Some teachers really use the support well where as others I feel think the support is dreading on their toes. Finding a balance is key.
Raj Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 mrs is a teacher,shes putting the little un to bed now but anything you wanna know ask away and i'll ask her later
AoWW Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Keep whichever teacher you're working with topped up with coffee and they'll love you forever. Bilo and AoWW are teachers Damn, keep trying to forget that and you come on here rubbing my nose in it.
Stadt Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Keep whichever teacher you're working with topped up with coffee and they'll love you forever. Damn, keep trying to forget that and you come on here rubbing my nose in it.
johnny the fox Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Im sure you will not be left to hang in the wind... go to reception, sign in... nobody will expect to you to be super man/women.. LISTEN more than you speak, by posting on here and asking means you care... your half way there...
Charl91 Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 I suppose I'm technically a teacher now (but not a particularly good one). I do supply, so I rely on TA's alot; a good TA makes my day so much easier. Can't imagine you'll need to know a lot for day one though. Just memorising the daily routines and the children's names is a good start. A good TA let's me know that the children should have been in assembly 10 minutes ago! Or preferably, before that point.
Ozwin Posted 3 November 2014 Author Posted 3 November 2014 Yeah, I'm under the assumption that I'm going to be a teacher's lackey but I think I just have the first day jitters. Even though it's a placement it feels like I'm starting a new job or something.
FoxesAreBlue Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Yeah, I'm under the assumption that I'm going to be a teacher's lackey but I think I just have the first day jitters. Even though it's a placement it feels like I'm starting a new job or something. Well, I have no words if advice for you, I know fvck all about teaching but I hope it goes really well for you and wish you all the best.
Webbo Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Best of luck for tomorrow Ozwin. I'm sure you'll do fine.
Tielemans63 Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Yeah, I'm under the assumption that I'm going to be a teacher's lackey but I think I just have the first day jitters. Even though it's a placement it feels like I'm starting a new job or something. Hello mate, I'm a teacher and work with TAs day in, day out. The good ones get to know the kids they are supporting really quickly and work out what makes them tick. The sooner you get the students on side the better. The craps ones will try and sit and do nowt. My advice would be to introduce yourself to the teacher and ask them what they think is the best way for you to support them, a half decent teacher should have you working with them, not for them and should make you feel like valued. Definitely speak to your line manager if you feel your being used as a lackey - you're there first and foremost to support the students not to do admin etc. Lastly, being a male LSA (assuming you're a bloke!) the kids will probably want to try and be your best mate -,whatever you do, don't let that happen because then you've got nowhere to go. Be friendly with them but make sure they know where the line is. Good luck mate
Ozwin Posted 3 November 2014 Author Posted 3 November 2014 Much appreciated. I'm looking forward to it but just want to get the formalities out of the way and begin actually working. It's a little daunting but I'm hopeful my first day will be okay!
Cat Burger Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Teachers have different styles, some plan way in advance, I make stuff up on the spot.
Tom17LCFC Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 yeah i've worked as a teaching assistant a few times over the last few years. it's never boring, fvcking knackering though. you'll enjoy it.
AoWW Posted 3 November 2014 Posted 3 November 2014 Teachers have different styles, some plan way in advance, I make stuff up on the spot. Except I've got HMI in on Weds. Suppose I'd better do some proper planning.
inckley fox Posted 4 November 2014 Posted 4 November 2014 One of the best bits of advice I have received in my teaching career was at the very beginning of my first placement, and it was to be totally shameless, and get as involved as I possibly could in everything. Talk to all of the kids, take up every opportunity, and not for a second let any shyness I might have about me get in the way. One of the other best bits will also be relevant to you in the near future. Someone told me that, if you go for a job or a promotion, always answer that question 'do you have anything to add or ask?' And say 'Yes, I've listened carefully to everything you have had to say and I am confident that I am the right person for the job'. It's worked every time for me. Except I've got HMI in on Weds. Suppose I'd better do some proper planning. I had eighteen months of that about ten years ago, in my first position. The second time they came in it was to see a class which was basically wall-to-wall peer-to-peer teaching and marking, and they loved it. I thought it was crap, to be honest. It was a 'didn't have time to plan' lesson. Just in case it's of any use! EDIT: Sorry, that's twelve years ago. Older than I realised!
Benji Posted 4 November 2014 Posted 4 November 2014 One of the best bits of advice I have received in my teaching career was at the very beginning of my first placement, and it was to be totally shameless, and get as involved as I possibly could in everything. Talk to all of the kids, take up every opportunity, and not for a second let any shyness I might have about me get in the way. One of the other best bits will also be relevant to you in the near future. Someone told me that, if you go for a job or a promotion, always answer that question 'do you have anything to add or ask?' And say 'Yes, I've listened carefully to everything you have had to say and I am confident that I am the right person for the job'. It's worked every time for me. I had eighteen months of that about ten years ago, in my first position. The second time they came in it was to see a class which was basically wall-to-wall peer-to-peer teaching and marking, and they loved it. I thought it was crap, to be honest. It was a 'didn't have time to plan' lesson. Just in case it's of any use! EDIT: Sorry, that's twelve years ago. Older than I realised! Can I have some bread to go with that slice of cringe? Get yourself on the Apprentice, mate. Hope all went well, Oz. My mum use to part-time as a TA and loved it. The clue is in the name, you're there to support the teacher not to be a skivvy. With class sizes growing the role of a TA has become more and more important - I don't remember having one as a kid. Inkcley's other advice is also a good one and it applies to all professions, just get amongst it as if you've been there for years, even if you haven't a clue on the inside.
Illusion35 Posted 4 November 2014 Posted 4 November 2014 I'm a teacher and my teaching assistants are an absolute god send. Really important and valuable job - my teaching assistant took some older children to a rugby tournament today and it was hard having my class of 30 on my own! Part of the job is about supporting the teacher with the admin side of things, as efficiently and independently as possible and with the ability to see things that need doing without always being given direct instruction. This shouldn't include being a lackey though - I don't ask my ta's to do anything I wouldn't do myself. But the most important part should be working with the children to support their learning. Get to know the kids - what makes them tick, what affects their behaviour and attitudes - encourage their self belief and provide help and support when they're working. The better you know them as individuals the easier this is. Good luck!
Vicki Vixen Posted 4 November 2014 Posted 4 November 2014 My 5 year old has a statement which gives him an assigned LSA in mainstream school. The LSA is without doubt the most critical person in his school life and we have found firsthand that an engaged and motivated LSA can have a huge impact on a child's learning and social development. I have immense respect for the role of TAs/LSAs. Good luck to you and I hope you know how important you are to us parents.
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