Classroom helpers are an amazing resource. The extra hands, eyes and brain power lets students receive help sooner than when its one teacher and thirty students. Leading a small group to work on a skill, practice using a tool or studying a curriculum component. Here are a few suggestions to help a small group run smoothly:
- Arrive on time to organize your materials, find a meeting place and settle in.
- Seat your self strategically – along the side of a long table or in a circle so you can see everyone.
- Establish yourself as the adult guide for the activity by sharing your expectations of manners, arriving/leaving quietly and actively participating.
- Use wait time (pause 10 seconds before accepting any answer) and ask open-ended questions (where multiple correct answers are possible).
- Keep students focused during their time with you by engaging them in discussions, etc.
- Stop and answer general questions after 5 minutes of work time. Monitor their work time and their progress on their assigned task.
- Praise the quality of their work rather than them as students.
- Give a 5-minute warning as your time together is ending.
- Have the students to the cleanup and gathering of books and supplies you’ll be using for an arriving new group.
- Follow the classroom and emergency procedures the teacher has set up.
- Leave the teacher a daily evaluation (if asked for) then leave quietly.
Please know that you are deeply appreciated by the teacher. Your presence makes the day progress more smoothly.