Teaching_Assistant_Level_3_Assignment_1

Question 1. Describe how you might contribute to a lesson given to a group of seven year old children learning to play percussion instruments. Before the lesson begins I would make sure that the classroom is neat and tidy and that there is enough chairs for all the staff and children. I would then prepare all the instruments, making sure that they are all in good working order and collect any sheet music needed. I would familiarise myself with all that instruments and make sure I know all the names of the instruments. Once the lesson begins I would supervise the pupils, helping to hold instruments correctly if they are having trouble. I would observe and monitor the pupil’s behaviour to give feedback to the class teacher. After the lesson I would ensure that all the instruments and equipment was put away making sure that they are all in good working order and that the classroom is neat and tidy. Question 2. What might your role be in organising, using and maintaining the learning resources, material and equipment for this percussion lesson' I would make sure that all the instruments were ready before the lesson begins. I would ensure that all sheet music is printed for each pupil including written instructions. I would make sure the classroom was neat and tidy and that it was set out in a way that was conductive to the lesson, i.e. making sure that all the chairs/music stands were facing the same way and were all facing the teacher. I would make sure that there were no hazards that the children or staff could fall over. I would make sure I understood both the school's safety instruction and instructions from the instruments themselves. I would have a look at the instruments themselves to see how the work, how to hold them properly so that during the lesson I would answer a question put by a child. Question 3. Describe how you act in class in order to be an effective role model for the standards of behaviour expected in pupils' To be an effective role model in class I would first talk to the class teacher to make sure that the things I say and do are consistent with the teacher's and the school's policy on behaviour. I would lead by example! I will not use foul or abusive language. I would be respectful to the children as well as any adult in the room. I would use praise and encouragement whenever possible. I would be punctual, well prepared and well organised for lessons. I would treat all members of the school environment fairly with respect and understanding. Question 4. What strategies might you employ to encourage pupils to behave appropriately' Describe how you might react to incidents of bullying and violence. The strategies I would use are: The use of rewards and consequences, using these consistently and making all children aware of them. Assisting the teacher with good teaching, this should ensure that the children will learn good behaviour. Making sure that the children know and understand their school's expectations about behaviour. Good behaviour should be seen by the teaching staff by the children. Finding alternatives for confrontation and using them. Using praise and encouragement fairly. Listen to the children. Know when to get help. Children need clear boundaries and to know what consequences there will be if they cross them. When reacting to bullying I would remain calm, if I panic then the children will as well. I will make sure that the incident is recorded and dealt with straight away by telling the teacher what has happened. I will deal with the incident straight away thus letting the pupil know that it is taken seriously. Reacting to violence I would again remain calm and try to recognise when an incident is about to happen. I would think before I act, I would to try to calm the situation; I would to use positive behaviour instead of aggression, to control the anger within the situation. Question 5. Describe how you might appropriately observe the physical abilities and skills of a nine year old boy. First off all I would not try to do this in a busy time, i.e., not when it’s getting near lunchtime. I would choose a time when the child is fit and well, as if the child is unwell he could be uncooperative. I would use a pre-determined time arranged by the teacher and use particular aspects of the child's learning i.e. same time two days in a row for numeracy. Monitoring a form of behaviour and noting each time it happens (event sampling) I would use structured observation, i.e., use an organised activity to observe the child....the child drawing a picture. Observing the child while he is participating in an activity, such as playing with another child with a ball. I would use what is called target child observation. This means the child will be observed for a concentrated period of time, it will see if the child is being challenged by activities that make him think, concentrate and work things out.