This competition has now ended.
To coincide with UNISON’s celebratory day for teaching assistants on 29th November 2013, we’re offering TWO winners the chance to win QCF teaching assistant study books. Hodder Education have generously provided Teaching Assistant’s Handbook for Level 2 and Teaching Assistant’s Handbook for Level 3, worth £22.99 each, for each lucky winner.
Please comment below, answering the following question – ‘what makes a good teaching assistant?’
This competition has now ended.
We will notify the winner via email or Facebook.
About the Teaching Assistant’s Handbook
If you are thinking of completing a teaching assistant course, there are some very good companions to help with theory and practical tasks, mainly written by experienced teachers or teaching assistants. Two fantastic books are Teena Kamen’s Teaching Assistant’s Handbook for Level 2 and Teaching Assistant’s Handbook for Level 3 which are geared towards the QCF Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualifications level 2 and 3. Both are packed with brilliant insights into child development, the importance of observation and how TAs can provide support. These books are aimed at students taking the course, but will also support tutors and assessors. Each book details the background knowledge and practical exercises for each unit within the qualification.
Teena Kamen has written many books on child development, having spent many years as a primary school teacher.
Teaching Assistant’s Handbook for Level 2
Author: Teena Kamen
Suitable for those studying for the following qualifications:
- Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting the Wider Curriculum in Schools
Support the development of children and young people in a variety of educational settings, including primary, secondary, special and extended schools.
- Includes tasks that will develop personal and professional skills as well as key tasks which will contribute to assessment.
- Covers the new QCF qualifications fully and follows the exact unit structure.
- Includes key terms and case studies for additional student support
9781444121315 • 238pp • 2010 • RRP £22.99 • Paperback
This title is also available as an eBook through selected online retailers.
Buy direct from Hodder Education
Teaching Assistant’s Handbook for Level 3
Author: Teena Kamen
Suitable for those studying for the following qualifications:
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Diploma in Specialist support for teaching and learning in schools
- Level 3 Certificate in Cover Supervision
Get practical guidance on how to support the development of children and young people in a variety of educational settings with this widely respected book.
- Helps learners to meaningfully apply theory to assignments and tasks with topical case studies
- Develops and reinforces key concepts with activities for individual and group work
- Links key tasks to the National Occupational Standards to develop students’ personal and professional skills and contribute to their assessment portfolio
9781444121322 • 340pp • 2011 • £22.99 • Paperback
This title is also available as an eBook through selected online retailers.
Buy direct from Hodder Education
About Hodder Education
Hodder Education publishes resources by Carolyn Meggitt, Jennie Lindon and other trusted Childcare & Early Years authors. In addition to being CACHE’s exclusive publishing partner, Hodder Education provides quality print and digital resources for teaching assistants as well as for GCSE students, undergraduates and practitioners to help students and practitioners achieve their best. Visit www.hoddereducation.co.uk to learn more.
Competition Terms
- The competition will end on 29th November 2013.
- Entrants must be at least 16 years of age and a UK resident.
- The winning comment will be selected by the TA Focus team on or after the closing date.
- Winners will be notified by email within 14 days of the winning comment being chosen.
- There is no cash alternative to the prize.
- TA Focus’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- Open to UK residents only.
Kara Smith on October 28, 2013 at 9:44 am said:
A teaching assistant needs to have patience and kindness. There are a number of challenges along the way, but pupils will always remember a supportive adult.
Jodie Smitham on October 28, 2013 at 10:41 am said:
I think they need to be reliable as statemented pupils will need someone to be there for them for the whole year (maybe even their whole school education?).
becca on October 28, 2013 at 3:17 pm said:
To be a good teaching assistant you first need to have a love of working with children. That is then followed by a caring nature and willingness to go above and beyond to support the pupils.
You need to remember that although the courses give you great knowledge, You will need to adapt your support each child and think outside the textbook.
I work voluntary with disabled children as a TA. I have recently qualified at a level 4 equivalent, I also have 3 years experience but I have realised their is still so much more to learn.
teachingassistant on October 29, 2013 at 1:59 pm said:
Some very good points, Becca. Applying knowledge to many different situations is very important. It’s one thing knowing theory, but experience is key. Well done qualifying at level 4.
Emma on October 28, 2013 at 3:38 pm said:
A good teaching assistant just needs to be a good role modle for children and co workers as they will do as we do so if we set a good example they will follow
teachingassistant on October 29, 2013 at 2:00 pm said:
Good answer. Setting an example is very important.
emma d on October 28, 2013 at 4:24 pm said:
to be good with children!! and enjoy working with children
Jenny on October 28, 2013 at 4:28 pm said:
Someone who listens and pays attention and who can inspire people to learn by supporting them well.
Stephanie on October 28, 2013 at 4:39 pm said:
A good teaching assistant needs to understand that what works with one child may not work with another, adaptability, warmth and openness are the key to the makings of a good TA
Sally Carter on October 28, 2013 at 5:09 pm said:
To have such a good relationship with the class teacher that s/he can work alongside without needing too much guidance. To have a good relationship with the pupils and always put the child’s needs first. To be enthusiastic in and out of the classroom; prepared to run extra-curricular activities; trips etc To be able to liaise with parents re the pastoral care of the children.
teachingassistant on October 29, 2013 at 2:03 pm said:
Thanks Sally. TAs definitely need to adapt to different situations. Knowing when to help a student and when to take a step back is challenging.
justine meyer on October 28, 2013 at 5:41 pm said:
To be an empathetic and caring person
sam roulson on October 28, 2013 at 6:36 pm said:
Understanding, patience, charisma and to be inspiring makes a great teaching assistant!
teachingassistant on October 29, 2013 at 2:03 pm said:
Very good points. Thank you.
Eileen Pritchard on October 28, 2013 at 6:48 pm said:
A people person, who relates well to adults and children. Willingness to go that extra mile. Good observational skills. An inquisitive mind. A love of learning.
teachingassistant on October 29, 2013 at 2:06 pm said:
Thanks Eileen. Observation is a brilliant point. Really paying attention to the student’s needs is a difficult task as you’re almost processing every move and every word to ensure you’re giving independence where needed.
Laura Harris on October 28, 2013 at 7:14 pm said:
To be a good listener – you can learn and understand so much about a person and their situation if you listen to them!
teachingassistant on October 29, 2013 at 2:07 pm said:
Good point. You’d be surprised how many people find it hard to actually listen.
Sarah Shiers on October 28, 2013 at 7:40 pm said:
To be kind, patient, enjoy working with children and most of all a good sense of humour.
vandervaulk on October 28, 2013 at 8:18 pm said:
a teaching assistant needs to be alert at all times, good with children ,have patience and be a good listener.
rebecca hawkins on October 28, 2013 at 8:23 pm said:
PATIENT AND NOT TO MIND WORKING OVER TIME FOR NOTHING
teachingassistant on October 29, 2013 at 2:09 pm said:
Ha ha, yes. TAs certainly work hard for sometimes very little. In most other professions there would be laments about overtime, but for TAs (and other teaching staff), it’s the norm!
Abby Bookham on October 28, 2013 at 8:57 pm said:
A can do attitude, supportive to the teacher and children, patient and encouraging
Sarah Robinson on October 28, 2013 at 9:39 pm said:
A teachers assistant should be kind, caring with lots of patients. To enjoy working as part of a team with teachers and parents.
Julz on October 29, 2013 at 9:16 am said:
Patient, a team player, the ability to think on their feet, adaptable and enjoy working with children.
Tammy Tudor on October 29, 2013 at 11:45 am said:
A good teaching assistant needs to be kind, caring and supportive, treating each child as an individual and being able to work as a team putting themselves in the minds of the children at times in order to have lots of understanding
Tracey Belcher on October 29, 2013 at 2:12 pm said:
Somebody who ALWAYS puts the children first
Jen English on October 29, 2013 at 5:18 pm said:
Patience, empathy and being able to think on your feet.
Sarah Conners on October 29, 2013 at 10:53 pm said:
Perseverance. Teaching assistants will having everything thrown at them, but they persevere.
Fatima Dassu on October 31, 2013 at 12:17 am said:
A teaching assistant helps to fill the gap/links between the teacher and the pupil by providing adequate support. A good teaching assistant needs to be professional, caring, knowledgeable in their field, proactive, kind and able to work as part of a team.
teachingassistant on October 31, 2013 at 12:34 pm said:
Thanks Fatima. Good point – filling that gap can be difficult, more so in secondary education.
Carly Lemon on October 31, 2013 at 11:29 am said:
The patience of a saint, good communication skills, kindness and a reassuring smile for any kids who need one. I speak from experience as a Yr 1 TA – but always keen to learn more which is why I’d love to win this book!
teachingassistant on October 31, 2013 at 12:35 pm said:
Glad to hear you want to learn more, Carly.
Karen Smith on November 3, 2013 at 11:21 pm said:
Definitely to be patient and empathetic, but also at times you need to be firm. I work as a TA and one thing I always bear in mind is EVERY child matters, and what may be a very small concern to you, to a young child it could be an enormous concern. I often think back to when I was a child at school and what support I would have appreciated at times. An enormous asset is just to be a very good listener 🙂
Teresa Martin on November 27, 2013 at 7:08 pm said:
A teaching assistant should be honest, hard working, respectful, communicative, inspiring, commanding, encouraging and approachable. Most teaching assistants I’ve met have all of these attributes.
Joanna Smith on November 28, 2013 at 4:17 pm said:
Being a good Teaching Assistant is a balancing act. It is important to be supportive of students with additional needs, helping them to access the curriculum and to participate in school life just like any other student. However, the ultimate goal is to allow them to be as independent as possible.
leanne williams on November 28, 2013 at 8:05 pm said:
A good teaching assistant just needs to be a good role model for children
Jamie Berwick on November 28, 2013 at 10:52 pm said:
A friendly, patient nature is key in being a successful TA – coaching is key to help them find the answers themselves
Lucy Robinson on November 28, 2013 at 11:26 pm said:
A good teaching assistant should be caring and do their best for the children. Both in education and well being. Also working well within the teaching team. X
Jules Hird on November 29, 2013 at 7:57 pm said:
A great TA needs to be a teachers wingman -and have all the added ingredients of understanding, patience, compassion and not forgetting a sense of humour and fun to be around!