Explain_the_Range_of_the_Teaching_Assistant’S_Role_in_Supporting_Teaching_and_Learning

Explain the range of the teaching assistant’s role in supporting teaching and learning. The role of a TA varies from school to school. TAs may work supporting an individual or a group of pupils, or they may support the teacher in the classroom. Some schools employ TAs with a specialism, such as literacy, numeracy, English as an additional language, the creative arts or special education needs. TAs work under the guidance/supervision of the classroom teacher. Teaching Assistants support the learner by: • Understanding the pupil’s learning support needs example repeating instructions given by the teacher or clarifying meanings and/or ideas. • Gaining the pupil’s trust and confidence example looking after children who are upset or have had accidents. • Listening to pupils read, reading to them, or telling them stories • Supporting individuals to keep attention on the lesson – monitoring behaviour to help them keep on task • Act as a good role model by the way they interact with the pupils • Helping pupils who need extra support to complete tasks, individually and in groups • Playing educational games with children and encouraging younger children to learn through play Teaching Assistants support the class teacher: • Working in partnership to prepare and maintain the learning environment example supervising art and craft activities and displaying work • Helping with classroom resources and pupil records • Keeping records of attendance and health • Stocking supplies, typing, making copies and other administrative tasks • Preparing the classroom for lessons • Help and manage pupils behaviour example observing pupil performance and reporting on observations to the teacher • Planning, delivering and evaluating teaching and learning activities TAs are not required to lead lessons but may supervise a class should its assigned teacher be temporarily unavailable.