Reception class assistants

[Zara16]

Hi,

I have just started college studying childcare and education level 3. As part of my course i have to complete a certain amount of hours at placements with different age groups.

Tomorrow i start my first placement in the reception class of an infant school, and was just wondering if any mums or teachers have any hints and tips for working in that environment and with that age group? What would you class as good reception assistance? fast replies would be preferable as i would love to go in tomorrow with some good ideas but all replies would be appreciated immensely!

thanks!

Never be afraid to ask questions, use positive language( ie when children are on the carpet and mucking about, don't tell off the naughty ones, praise the good ones and say who else can sit nicely like so and so) make sure you are in class early as there are always things that need doing!

Oh and good luck!

If bored, sharpen pencils or go into the book corner with a roll of Sellotape and stick any books with torn pages back together.

thank you so much, i will definitely make sure to try all of that tomorrow

thank you, im so nervous, i just want it all to go well! XD

(im not sure if this is an actual reply to your comment or if its just another comment, i still dont know how to use this properly but hopefully you'll see it?)

You'll very quickly become well acquainted with the guillotine, laminator and photocopier!

DS's TA won his undying love by making paper aeroplanes on demand and telling the class stories with themselves in. That's advanced TA-ing skills though I think! I expect the teacher will keep you busy. Good luck and have fun!

Don't pick the children up or let them fawn all over you.
Sharpen pencils and tidy things.

Arrive early, also consider dress code, perhaps note book and pen...so, you can take notes! The teacher will tell you what she expects from you, you may spend time within the whole class to begin with, maybe later small groups or even one to one. Essentially if unsure don't be afraid to ask the teacher again. It will be pretty manic at the beginning and end of the day, this is fairly standard. Children arriving with notes, book bags etc. you may have to help them get ready for "home time" too.

Will always be mountains of photocopying,pencil sharpening and generally tidying of the classroom.

Just relax, remember each child has their own little personality, allow them to show you how things are done...makes them feel good too.

Always good idea to make friends with other Teaching assistants and ask for advice.

It will be hard work but fun, have a great first day!

talk to the children and ask them questions, not just 'testy ' ones but stuff like 'tell me what happens after break? what does everyone do for lunch, what's your favourite thing you did yesterday?
i find talking to children and getting their perspective really interesting.
they will love talking to you. and learn lots by showing you what they are doing.

Don't trip over them - they're surprisingly small :-)

Agree with the paper aeroplanes. I was the class favourite when we made ice cream cones out of card/tissue paper.

Be prepared for lots of "miss" "miss" constantly. And 20 kids all wanting your help now

My weekness is remembering names (was only in reception for 1 day a week also doing L3) so would concentrate on that. Also lots of "sit on your bottom please" & listen to their greviences however small.

Zara - I was truly bricking it (although excited) & I learnt so much I loved it.

thank you all so so much for your ideas, they really have put my mind at ease, I feel armed with enough information to go in ready tomorrow ;)

In terms of dress code, wear flats as you will be on your feet a lot, only wear things you are happy to get coveted in paint or snot, make sure nothing is too low cut or short as you will be bending down a lot & sitting on the floor.
Yes to working out names!
I think it is a legal requirement rather than something just required by the school I helped in that visitors could not be the only adult in a room with children. We could be in the corridor at a table doing small group stuff as other adults would pass on a regular basis but not in a classroom or similar. Monitor this yourself rather than rely on the teacher to remember.

Leonard