In praise of teaching assistants

Motivation to be a Teaching Assistant must come from an inherent love of working with children. They come with life experience and often with skills and knowledge from an earlier career. I say this because I know it can't be the pay! Their role in our schools cannot be understated. Perhaps because they are so versatile and unburdened by the zealous demands of the National Curriculum they seem to be able to offer a common sense approach to dealing with children, understanding the need to look after the whole interests and where and why a child could be struggling (I do know good teachers do this as well and have much evidence to prove it).With this in mind it was my delight  and privilege to  run a PDT (professional development Training) in dance and drama for teaching assistants   in Northumberland last year. Northumberland Creative & Performing Arts Education Service (sorry for the long title but not sorry to give this great department a credit) initiated this 4 day course. It was spread through out  two terms which allowed us all a chance to try out ideas and notice developments. This was my chance to share ways to use story telling with dance and drama, music and props. We looked at Laban principles of movement , 'dancing the language' developing language through movement. In a nut shell all I believe in and share with children on a day to day basis. The bonus was the enthusiasm ,freedom of imagination and the fun we had sharing ideas. They got so much out of this study most of them went on to look at music in a similar course run by Jill Walker.  Now here is the rub! They want an advanced course this year to take their skills to a further level.  The appetite is there but sadly not the funds (a sign of of times). All is not lost we have one day on offer after half term which the schools are funding directly. So I shall report back and let you know. Watch this space to find out if the spark is still alive!