LSA interview! help!

[Cathy1984]

I have been invited to an interview for a ks1 lsa/elsa. I am expected to do a reading task but this is the only information they have sent...

The reading task:

You will be asked to run a 20-minute session with 6 children, which will be centred on a book of your choice.

The children are of mixed ability from a Year 2 class.

Any advice?

Use props. Have a phonics focus. Google the Phonics Fairy. I saw her on a course last week. She was completely irrelevant to what I do, but is fab for ks1 and EYFS. Think carefully about your questioning, look at Bloom's taxonomy. Provide an element of challenge for the higher ability. Good luck!

Oh, and they will certainly ask you at interview what you think went well and what you would change in hindsight. They are very keen on reflection.

Thank you. That is really helpful x

You're welcome! PM me if you want any more advice Cathy.

Back again! Have a clear learning objective and make sure that those observing you know it. Look at reading assessment for learning. Provide a short lesson plan stating what you want them to learn, how you are going to do it and how you will know that they've achieved it. If the kids aren't labelled, label them. Use copious amounts of praise, but make it specific to the lesson and the learning. 'Brilliant Johnny, you've done so and so'.

Thanks again. For the last 10 years I have been working in secondary schools so I feel really in the dark in terms of what to expect of a year 2, what I should be asking them, what skill to focus on, even what kind of book to choose! Their theme for next term is titanic and pirates so I thought I might try and find a pirate story of some kind but have no idea which one or what to do with it!

Captain sparklebeard is a good one for challenging gender stereotypes.

Thank you so much. I'll have a look into that x

Story Boxes work really well when telling a story, they get the children involved which they love. Maybe find a pirate story and then use props that the children can use. They could put on the eye patch to get into character and write and then share where they would go and what they would look for if they were a pirate.

Thank you for everyone's help. Just an update... I didn't get the job but got to the final 2 out of 6 interviewed. She said they went round and round in circles between us and in the end the other person got it because they had more primary experience 😕. However I got excellent feedback on my interview and lesson so it was sort of positive. If anyone would like some info on the kind of questions I was asked etc feel free to ask x

I'd love to know @Cathy1984 Never had a "formal" interview as I started working as supply and got a permanent position that way. Current atmosphere at work is a little toxic and I'm considering my options. I'd like to know what kind of questions you were asked and the structure of the interview.

@heavenlypink so I had to do a 20 min reading task based around a book of my choice. I had a good look at the year 2 national curriculum and then wrote a proper lesson plan based around some specific goals. I took sticky labels with me and got the children to write their names down and stick them on their tops (it was a god send!). I also asked which children were lower/higher ability (which I was complimented on). At the actual interview I was asked things along the lines of.... What would you do to motivate a child who didn't want to work? What do you think we mean by support? And how would you support the children? What can you bring to the role? How would you safeguard the children at the school? What would you do if a teacher did something that you didn't agree with? What does a successful classroom look like? Can't remember any others but also had a good chance to sell myself and ask questions so I would have some things in mind. Hope that helps x

That is helpful @Cathy1984 thank you. I do love my job and hope the atmosphere in school improves but I also accept that maybe it's time for a change - if my anxiety can cope with the interview process!

I wish you luck with your job hunting and hope the right role comes up for you soon

Thank you. I know how you feel. It's the same reason I am looking! Fingers crossed I get something for September because I am at the end of my tether with my current job!