First published in Teach Primary Magazine in July 2008.
You may have a remit to work with one individual and at times be discouraged from joining in with the rest of the class. Although some students welcome this one to one interaction, it can become frustrating for them if they are always sitting and working with the same adult. Their separation from the rest of the class can be intensified, and it is easy for them to feel that they are being continuously watched and guarded. It is important that adults who are supporting individual students have time away and opportunities to work with others in the class. This is not to undermine their role with the individual, as this will remain their primary focus, but to give both parties time apart and allow the student to engage in independent thought, learning and socialisation. If a TA is attached to a student for every lesson neither has the space to develop their own learning and practice. In time it can feel as though the TA and the student exist in a different world to the rest of the class. You begin to feel like a ghost who moves around from class to class only ever noticed by one student. The adults stop communicating as they have distinctly different roles, other students ignore you as you don't impact on their world.
8 Ways to Raise Your Status
- Be vigilant of the students who are within your radar, be proactive in managing their behaviour
- Be keen for children to come and show you their work
- Join in with class discussions
- Find opportunities to give instructions to the whole class - develop your part of the teaching partnership
- Be open about your support and partnership with the class teacher.
- Maintain your own high expectations and model them relentlessly
- Take part/lead lunchtime clubs, extra curricular activities, school visits
- Never discuss students negative behaviour in the staff room