Support learning activities
The planning cycle Plan Teach Observe Assess Record Evaluate
Working with the teacher If you attend planning meetings, you will have an opportunity to understand: the reasons behind each lesson the learning objectives of the lesson what the teacher expects you to do how to support pupils during activities that you have not done before.
Planning The teacher may require you to plan an activity to implement with the pupils. Think about: objectives of the lesson time constraints resources behavioural issues or SEN. Discuss your plan with the teacher if possible.
Preparation Before the start of each lesson, make sure you know: the learning objectives for the lesson your role within the lesson – will you be working with a group, are you to question the pupils, explain the work, or monitor progress and responses? what the teacher expects the pupils to have produced or completed by the end of the lesson.
Resources Good resources should: match the requirements of the learning objectives help pupils to increase their knowledge, skills and understanding be easily accessible. Make sure you know where resources are kept across the school. Prepare all necessary resources well in advance.
Guidance Get to know the pupils you are working with. Make sure you understand the task and the teacher’s expectations. Prepare ‘key questions’ to ask pupils during the activity. Show the children that you are genuinely interested in their work.
Inclusivity You can include all pupils by: using individual whiteboards, flashcards or other personalised resources allowing them time to think individually using differentiated questions ensuring children put their hands up (or use another signal to show that they are ready to answer) incorporating a range of topics to motivate children with different interests.
Challenge and extension work You can challenge pupils by: encouraging them to solve problems independently setting individual research projects or investigations asking them to evaluate their own work tailoring questions to suit different abilities.
Over to you! Choose a task or activity you will be using in the classroom. How can you support less able pupils? What extension activities can you offer to stretch more able pupils?