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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What would you think about a TA doing this

33 replies

diamondsforapril · 07/02/2017 17:22

Repeatedly telling children

you can't do this
this is too hard
well I don't understand this
I don't know, it's too hard
this is too hard for them, they can't do it (to teacher but in earshot of the students)
?

OP posts:
Trifleorbust · 07/02/2017 17:27

More context. Was it long multiplication or were the children being asked to read Hegel/prove Newton's three laws?

ineedamoreadultieradult · 07/02/2017 17:30

I would think they need to use more discretion and take privately to the teacher about the work being set and use more positive language around the child.

Original poster
diamondsforapril · 07/02/2017 17:37

It's the negative language around the children I am most concerned with.

I think the TA doesn't understand it so assumes the children don't!

OP posts:
Trifleorbust · 07/02/2017 17:39

Up to a point, you have a point. Is it constant, or did this happen once?

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 07/02/2017 17:40

How old are the children? just out of interest.

Salzundessig · 07/02/2017 17:43

Speak to the teacher. I worked with a TA like this and I would have loved some parental complaints to back me up when I pulled her up on it.

zeeboo · 07/02/2017 17:44

I would not want that person around my child at school. Our school is teaching the children about having a growth mindset so they'd tell her to stop being so bloody negative themselves!

TheFallenMadonna · 07/02/2017 17:46

I once had a TA shout across the room to me, "They can't do this. They can't read" in my first lesson with a class. We had an exchange of views after the lesson...

Original poster
diamondsforapril · 07/02/2017 17:46

Constant, and secondary aged.

Sal, sadly I am not the parent!

OP posts:
Trifleorbust · 07/02/2017 17:48

zeeboo: Growth mindset is great. I don't want to teach my DD that she isn't allowed to say negative things, though. If she's shit at music, I will always encourage her to try but I'm not going to blow smoke up her! Work harder if you suck at something Grin

Trifleorbust · 07/02/2017 17:49

And what is the work?

Mynestisfullofempty · 07/02/2017 17:49

The teacher should say to the TA (also in earshot of the students) "You don't understand it, but that doesn't mean they don't"

SpiritedLondon · 07/02/2017 17:51

It's very undermining for the teacher so that would be very annoying. It also sets the children to believe that they are not capable of managing the task. Again, very annoying.

woodhill · 07/02/2017 17:51

Bit worrying that the TA is saying this, is it maths?

Fackorf · 07/02/2017 17:52

Depends. It is possible (and very demoralising) to pitch work too high for a class.
But in that case it is still unprofessional to undermine the teacher like that.

bumsexatthebingo · 07/02/2017 17:52

If you're the teacher then you need to manage the TA. Let her know what you would like her to do when the children are struggling. Would you like her to assist with the work and put a note on so you know it wasn't done completely independently?
If SHE is struggling to understand the work maybe suggest she have a look on bitesize or similar to improve her own subject knowledge.

Trifleorbust · 07/02/2017 17:53

It is unprofessional to say these things in front of the children, regardless.

Birdsgottaf1y · 07/02/2017 17:53

Her way of communication needs to be appropriate for her setting, she's falling short, at present.

It's easy to say, "they aren't ready for this", rather than, "they can't do this".

I would and have complained, there's never been a time when the Teacher/Head didn't agree.

ImperialBlether · 07/02/2017 17:54

Can you give us an example of what she couldn't understand and how old the children were?

ineedamoreadultieradult · 07/02/2017 17:55

My mum was a TA before TA's became so widespread in schools. Her student had a vision problem so Mum would read things for them and be their scribe but she wouldn't have been able to help them with the actual work especially something like A level physics or anything. But she would encourage the student to ask any questions about the work to the teacher. I don't know if it works like this now or if the TAs are supposed to know the subjects as well as the teacher.

fourcorneredcircle · 07/02/2017 17:59

As an MFL teacher I used to get this so much at previous schools. "No point me going to French, don't understand it" or even in the lesson "I was rubbish at languages at school, don't know how I'm supposed to help you" Drove me fucking bonkers.

So glad that I now work in a school where TAs aren't allowed to say which subjects they will/won't work in - because yes, whilst they might think they would struggle as much as I would think I would to follow top set Maths having not picked up a calculator since my GCSEs, miraculously when they are in the lesson, actually listening to what the teacher is explaining to the pupils, they can do it too! If an average 11-16 year old can follow a class so can an adult. No excuses!

And at primary that's even more ridiculous! Don't TAs normally have to have GCSE Maths and English to a certain level? A C grade is well above where most 11 year olds are - listen to the bloody lesson of you're so rusty!

Original poster
diamondsforapril · 07/02/2017 18:05

It's not Maths. It is the examination syllabus and the work is very structured and accessible (IMO.)

OP posts:
RebelRogue · 07/02/2017 18:07

Is it all subjects she's doing this or particular subjects? If it's all subjects then a chat is needed about her attitude and the words used. If it's particular subject/subjects it could be she lacks enough knowledge in that particular area and again a chat should be had to find out how she could improve.
Honestly i have days when i want to cry. Kids that just don't get it,r struggle to count in twos,or recognise maths language like difference means taking away. We just rephrase the question,we talk about it,we try visuals,column method,number lines,place value charts. We try again and again and again.
Last week I had a kid that "couldn't do it". He could,he just didn't get it. He still wasn't getting it at the end of the lesson. Promised him we'll look over it again in the morning(he arrives 15-20 mins before class starts). So went home and wracked my brains,and drew some things n a piece of paper as reference. The next day...he got it!! He still uses the paper in every class and now asked for a laminated one where he can add his own stuff to match questions in class. He could do it,i just hadn't found the right resources for him in that first lesson.

Trifleorbust · 07/02/2017 18:08

They are not exactly children, then?

If you are the teacher, have a word with the TA along the lines of: "If you need to discuss the work you are being asked to do with the students, I am always available to do that after school/free period/email. Please don't make any more comments in front of them though, because it is coming across as negativity." If that doesn't work, speak to her LM.

woodhill · 07/02/2017 18:10

Yes TAs cannot be experts but you learn to follow the subject or do some research yourself.

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