Beforehand:
Each grade will have a group leader, and Lam will be sure to send emails around so you know who is yours. Generally, a few days beforehand, this person will assign someone to lead the group activity, as well as assign students to teachers. As preparation, think of 3 different games/activities you might work on with the children.
Day of:
If you would prefer, most volunteers meet on the second floor of Pupin, and leave as a group, 30 minutes before the designated start time of your session to walk over together.
Upon arrival the teachers will have the students separated by grade for you, and hand them off to you. Each session starts off with a group activity, in which one person will either create a game, or pick one from our group activities page, and lead all of the kids in this activity, while the other volunteers manage and help the kids to participate and understand the game at hand. This should last ~15 minutes.
After this activity has concluded, you will break into groups and play individual games with your students until the session reaches its end, at which time the teachers will ring a bell, signifying such.
It's ok to say no!
Be firm and consistent with children, giving concrete directions helps children stay focused.
Sometimes students will get distracted from the task at hand and ask to do something else. It's ok to say no to them.
Balance discipline (don't be afraid to ask for help!)
Establish your expectations with your children and consequences for not following those expectations. Be firm with these consequences.
Group leaders can help with this if you are having difficulty, and always remember Reading Team Inc. teachers are wonderful resources especially in this department.
Competition vs. Collaboration
Some children respond well to friendly competition with their peers. Others do not.
Some children work well and collaborate with others.
Some children like to team-up and compete against the teacher.
Be prepared with a mix of games and adjust based on feedback you get from your children.
You should gauge your students over time to see which dynamic they respond to best and tailor your activities to them.
Managing different skill levels
Think of games that are adaptable and span ranges of skills levels, or can be tailored to fit a child's need.
Ask a group leader (or check out some suggestions on our website) for ideas of games.
It is better to have your children working on the same game. Managing two games at once can be challenging.
Getting large groups to focus
If you are leading a group activity, it can be hard to get the attention of all of your students.
Try clapping or vocal games that get their attention. (Think back to elementary school)
If you want/need ideas, again your group leader and peer teachers are wonderful resources!
Have fun!
If you are having fun, so will your child.
Be friendly and supportive and encouraging in the ways you'd like to be treated. Learning math can be hard, so make sure to be patient.
Some key ideas that are especially important to remember:
Being friendly with your students is encouraged, but you are not their friend, nor their peer.
Many students will love to get hugs from you. Don't initiate these and keep physical touching to a minimum, treating this as a more professional environment.
Listen to your child and respect their needs and wishes.
When in doubt, consult with Reading Team Inc. teachers who know these children well and can give you advice.