Teaching Assistant Assignment One

Teaching Assistant Diploma Course – Assignment One.
  1. Describe how you might contribute to a lesson given to a group of seven year old children learning to play percussion instruments.

Before the lesson began I would do some preparation work by seeking clarification from the teacher as to what instruments were available to learn, this would enable me to research them and find some inspiring colourful images to show to the children. I would use the internet to research clips of people playing percussion instruments and show them to the class (after ensuring that the content was appropriate to their age and ability.) Having an active role within the lesson would help to keep the children focussed so I would attempt to learn how to play an instrument alongside them. There may be benefits from splitting the children into groups so that they can support each other and be able to work as a team with their instruments. The children would require encouragement from myself and could be motivated by performing in their groups to the class once they have mastered the instrument. There could also be an opportunity for them to play their instruments to an assembly or the Headteacher as a reward. If the weather was appropriate the children may benefit from taking the instruments outside and being able to learn in a different environment, this may add to their enthusiasm and inspire them to learn.

If the child’s parent or carer has given photo consent then I could record the children using a video camera or take photographs which could be later used to create a display and at subsequent parents evenings / open evenings as a showcase of activities that are carried out within the classroom.

  2. What might your role be in organising, using and maintaining the learning resources, material and equipment for this percussion lesson?

Initially I would establish how many students were in the lesson in order to prepare the equipment, it would be necessary for me to... [continues]

Read full essay