Classroom Helpers

If you’re fortunate enough to have help in your classroom, be it a classroom aide or a parent volunteer, it’s important to make sure to maximize what they can accomplish with their time. A little preparation can go a long way to make sure that no time is wasted.

First, ask yourself what you want help with. Is it small group instruction? One-on-one remediation? Grading papers? Making copies? Or, perhaps a combination of these?

When you decide what you feel comfortable delegating to the classroom helper, make a list of tasks, prioritizing the list with the most important items to accomplish each day at the top. For each task that needs some explanation, include simple instructions. A sample task list is provided below.

Finally, make sure you check in with your classroom helper daily. Give constructive feedback. They are there to assist you and the students, so it's important to let them know if they are doing well or if there is need for improvement. Don’t just delegate the difficult students to the classroom help, and make sure to provide guidance when it’s needed.
Picture
Sasebo, Japan (Oct. 26, 2006) - Jennifer Tonder (right), a teacher's aide for a 3rd-4th grade multi-age class, discusses the various books available from the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) grant given to Sasebo Elementary School with a student. The RIF donated 1,000 books to the school's library. Sasebo Elementary was the first overseas school to receive the RIF grant. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Johnstone (RELEASED) Created: 26 October 2006
Daily Tasks

Good Morning!
The daily tasks are listed in order of priority. There will not always be work for each task. Please work down the list. Please check on students as needed during task work.
Thank you!

  1. Correcting student work
  2. Library Organization
  3. Filing papers
  4. Book Order Packets (once a month)
  5. Copying
  6. Laminating or cutting out laminated papers
  7. Check on students