Teaching_Assistant_Level_3_Q_1&2

1) Describe how you might contribute to a lesson given to a group of seven year old children learning to play percussion instruments. My first contribution to the lesson would be to prepare the instruments outlined in the lesson plan, ensuring that they were available for use on that day. I would then check the condition of the instruments, ensuring they were in good working order and clean. It is important that I make myself aware of any policy and procedures in place within the school for using percussion instruments and where possible refer to manufactures guidelines for appropriate use of the equipment and any recommendations. It is then important that I familiarise myself with the learning objectives of the lesson plan and prepare the classroom to best meet these objectives, taking into account health and safety regulations, by ensuring there is safe access both in and out of the classroom, and that the pupils can move about the room safely. It is also important that I take into account that the pupils can use the instruments in a safe manner without any obstructions, ensuring there is enough space between each instrument. During the actual lesson I can contribute by providing assistance to pupils who may not have understood the teacher’s guidelines. I may need to repeat the instructions in a different manner or to demonstrate what the teacher has asked. It is important that I re-enforce what the teacher has instructed. Other assistance that I may need to provide is to show each student how to use the instruments in a safe and correct manner. Supervising the students whilst using the instruments is part of the contribution I would make to the lesson ensuring all pupils use equipment appropriately throughout the lesson, and ensuring that if their concentration appears to be slipping to add a new fun aspect to what they’re doing, providing praise and encouragement would help to ensure the pupils actively participate in the lesson. Observing the pupils and assisting those who appear to be struggling is also part of the contribution I would make, any observation I make would be discussed with the teacher when appropriate so that if a pupil is struggling then it can be addressed by the teacher in a appropriate manner that does not single out the pupil from the rest of the class. My observation help to monitor the pupils ability and progress, to assist the teacher in providing the right level of stimulus to the pupil in any future lessons, for example if one pupil is showing to excel at percussion a higher level of goal to achieve may be required to maintain there interest in future lessons. I would also contribute by helping to address any negative behaviour in an appropriate and calm manner, ensuring the teacher is aware of any behavioural issues. At the end of the lesson I should provide the teacher with any feedback. I should ensure that each child feels as though they have accomplished something within the lesson and praise them for their efforts and achievements. Once all pupils have left the room all musical instruments should be returned to resources, before returning I need to check all equipment is present, clean and in good working order any damages should be reported. Once all equipment has been returned it is important to ensure that the classroom is returned to its original condition and not left unsafe or disorderly. 2) What might your role be in organising, using and maintaining the learning resources, material and equipment for this percussion lesson' Prior to the lesson I would ensure that any equipment outlined in the lesson plan was available for that day, preferably this is to be done a couple of days prior and where necessary book the equipment for use on the day the lesson is to be carried out. This helps to ensure that all equipment necessary is available and not being used by another class, feedback should then be given to the teacher as to whether that equipment is available for the day intended so that other arrangements can be made in necessary. Before the lesson starts I would retrieve all the necessary equipment including worksheets and instruments, ensuring there is enough for each child to use and that the instruments required for the lesson according to the lesson plan are provided. I would check all the equipment to ensure it is in compliance with health and safety policy, is clean and hygienic and is appropriate for the pupils to use, for example the size of the instrument is appropriate for the pupils. An inventory of all equipment should be properly maintained, all instruments being used should be logged out and the condition they are in noted. Any problems with the equipment should be noted in a maintenance log. If I am able to I should carry out any repairs necessary, however if repairs are out of my capability then it is vital I do not attempt to repair them as I could compromise the safety of the equipment. Once all resources have been attained I should place them safely within the classroom allowing enough space for safe use and easy access. It is important that I follow the guidelines of the teacher in the positioning of each instrument. Whilst the lesson is in progress it is important that I monitor how the equipment is being used, to ensure that it is used in accordance with guidelines and to prevent any damage from occurring and where necessary provide guidance to the pupils for correct and safe use. Once the lesson is complete it is important that all materials are returned to the correct place, so they can be accessed by others. On returning each item I should check them against the inventory list to ensure they have all been returned. I should also ensure they have been returned clean and are safe for use by the next class. I should carry out any repairs necessary and note down any repairs that are out of my capability to fix, and report this to the teacher along with any missing items.