Helpful Aides

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Helpful Aides
By Carol

I share my aide with another teacher of the same grade level. Between the both of us we keep her pretty busy, and she likes it because she feels and is needed. I would have her take attendance, do the lunch order, collect
and keep track of returning information (such as progress reports, report cards, homework packets, permission slips, etc.) This is a great help and allows more time for me to prepare for class or get the day started on time. Our aide was also responsible for setting up field trips (scheduling tours, and buses). Depending on the school policy the assistant did recess duty and lunch

duty everyday. Some schools may not allow this, but if they do it gives you a break to use the bathroom, work in your class, or make phone calls to parents when needed. Many teachers use their assistants to help with small groups or to circulate the room to help individual students while you take and conference with your own small group or individually with students. Before tests (especially in the area of Math) I would give the students problems to review with a partner or by themselves using the assistant to answer any questions or to give guidance. I myself would take the group of students who are struggling to be sure they understand a concept completely. I believe it is important for you as a teacher to work with the low achieving students so they can get the more focused one on one time needed to make strides, otherwise you may not stay aware of their accomplishments and their self-esteem may suffer over time. It is easier to work with those students who are on target so give your assistant some extracurricular activities to keep them motivated. Of course there is always papers to correct and bulletin boards to put up. You may want to set jobs for your assistant or make a daily list of duties, which ever works best for you, but keep in mind you are the teacher take charge of YOUR classroom or else someone else will.