Teaching Assistant - Assignment 1, Q1

1. DESCRIBE HOW YOU MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO A LESSON GIVEN TO A GROUP OF SEVEN YEAR OLD CHILDREN LEARNING TO PLAY PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS.

Firstly, I would ascertain from the teacher the lesson criteria in order to plan for the lesson.  

Secondly, I would obtain all the instruments needed and ensure that they were clean and in full working order.   I would also familiarise myself with the said instruments to ensure that I knew how to work them and /or have the instructions close to hand!

Following this, I would then check through the lesson plan and obtain any additional items like music sheets or handouts.     I would make sure the area they are playing the instruments in is of sufficient space and clean and tidy.   The instruments would be set out ready for the pupils, ensuring there are enough instruments to pupils etc.

Once the lesson was under way; I would supervise the children and help keep their concentration, happily assisting any child who is in need of encouragement.   I would regularly repeat the instructions of the lesson in a positive manner, either just verbally or in tune with the beat by trying to make the lesson as fun and educational as possible.

Throughout the lesson I would observe the children and report any findings to the teacher e.g. if a particular child was not responding well, struggling with co-ordination or generally showing negative behaviour.   Conversely, if a child was helpful, showed particular enthusiasm or played an instrument well.