Regarding Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals -or- parapros -or- EA's -or- IA's or... any other number of names they go by, are the life skills teacher's greatest asset (besides patience). They help when you are shorthanded, they take on duties you don't have time to do, they offer support (both educationally and emotionally), they instruct, they guide, they are.... indispensable.

But often times we expect that they will simply "jump in" without guidance. This can cause problems. Every person is so unique, so different, we can't expect them all to do things the same way. But, consistency is KEY when teaching life skills kiddos. So how do we solve this problem? One word... TRAINING!

When trying to maintain a SPED class, the last thing we have extra of is time. But, consider how important this is that each child is taught the same way from day to day, no matter who is giving the instruction.

I have many resources to share with you, regarding paraprofessional training. The following document is a general guideline I use to show my aides how to run a group lesson.

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgzr544p_1dmqkngcf

Another helpful tool, is to have expectations laid out for the actual aide themselves. Everyone appreciates having guidelines (whether they will admit it or not). Plus, if an issue ever arises, you can always refer back to the guidelines you have set in place.

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgzr544p_0dnbp7ffq

Feel free to take this documents and copy or edit them for your own purposes.

Timesheets

Here is an ActivBoard lesson I created for learning to use timesheets. The kids have the same timesheets that they fill out every week. At first, I write on the board as an example until the kiddos get the hang out it. Soon, they become independent and no longer need assistance. You do not need an ActivBoard to do this lesson. Get creative and use a projector against a whiteboard or use an old fashioned overhead projector.

Every day before students leave for vocational activities, have them sign in. When they return, remind them to sign out. At the end of the week, having the kids add up the hours is great math practice!

Fine Motor

Kids need some grasping practice? I bought a 2-drawer, Rubbermaid container and put rice in one and dried peas in another. Inside each drawer I've hidden objects of various sizes, shapes and textures. Kids love the feel of the rice and peas of their hands, plus... they get a prize after they take out all the objects. Students grasping improves while they enjoy the experience. Nothing better than learning without realizing it.

Anxiety Meter

For students with anxiety, using a personalized "meter" may help. If you can personalize it to the specific child it will mean more to them. Even better if they help you make it. This meter uses a specific students own words as well as options that they came up with that would calm them down.
On the front, is the meter that lists what level the student is at. From "Fine" all the way to "Freaking Out!". After the student identifies were they are on the meter, they open it up to find the corresponding action. Similar to the "Incredible 5-Point Scale", this has proven itself as an incredibly useful tool.