Interview for reception TA!

[Hangingwiththeraisingirls]

I have an interview for a job as a TA in a reception class.

The letter says to plan a short carpet or activity session with a group of reception children.

No more information than that so I'm not sure how long it should last for or if it will be the whole class or just a smaller group.
Their topic is currently traditional tales but it doesn't have to be based around that.
I've been a sahm for 4 years and I'm really nervous.

Any ideas??

Try a Telltale Box which you can get on eBay. They have Little Red Hen and Ugly Duckling, both traditional tales, with the toys to go with them which would make a great carpet time activity. There would be lots to discuss about the story and the different animals in them and what they look like, how they differ,what they might eat, what sound they might make?......etc,etc. it's lovely for the children to be able to see representations of the story and they love talking about them and holding them. My kids love them! Good luck, stay calm and you will be fine!

I was a TA / helper in primary for twenty years.

Be a group I guess, not whole class.

Something with 'props' - puppets, or items that can be passed round to engage children, be good. A slightly academic slant also good, like counting or letter sounds. But keep it fun and informal. Maybe a 'teddy tea party' - how many cakes needed, etc. Make it jokey, even make deliberate mistakes so the children can correct you! They would love that!

Only ten to fifteen minutes I would have thought.

I worked under a brilliant Head once. She had to take a Reception class at short notice when class teacher was away; children were restless and a bit noisy and 'high'. Head just sat down on teacher's chair, and without saying a word, proceeded to slowly tear a sheet of paper into pieces, and let them fall to the floor. As the children gradually noticed what she was doing, the noise subsided until it was totally silent, the children watching in fascination!

Good luck, and Enjoy it!

Right.
I'm going to read Jack and the Beanstalk.

Then I'm going to have some musical instruments and add in sounds and actions.

The children will then have chance to role play and create their own instruments.

Linking to the ELG of being creative and retelling stories.

The letter arrived at 3pm today and interview is first thing Friday. I have a hospital appointment tomorrow morning so am basically left with very little time. I'm going to ask the school tomorrow if they have any instruments and I'm going to take some shakers with me.

Does that sound ok?! Will they want to see written plans?!