Be prepared to spend time training your assistant in the duties that will be performed in the classroom and your expectations for class routines and management. Be specific about how you want things done. Recognizing that there are limited opportunities to plan, and that it can be awkward and distracting to attempt planning with an assistant during the class, it is helpful to have written directions for the assistant to refer to in different situations. In this way, the assistant can be proactive, and won't feel the need to wait for suggestions from the teacher about what to do in various situations. Many teacher/assistant teams find it useful to schedule regular meetings as part of their work week to problem solve together.

The following are some suggestions that could be considered for teacher assistant duties.

• Photocopy, make charts, prepare separate worksheets or drills.
• Get supplies and materials for projects, art, cooking, etc.
• Prepare printing/handwriting book for students.
• Type stories or retype a story so that the reading level is modified.
• Modify questions to be used in assignments.
• Use a longer test as a model for creating a shorter, simpler version.
• Prepare bulletin board displays.
• Mount student work.
• Find pictures, colouring pages, puzzles or word searches related to a topic.
• Search for books or audio materials in the library.
• Put stories on audio tape.
• Make up booklets on a topic.

• Read or re-read the material to a student or group.
• Scribe for a student.
• Listen to student(s) read.
• Modify the activity so the student(s) can complete it.
• Help student(s) practice drama activities.
• Keep the student(s) on task.
• Supervise and assist the student with the assignment.
• Help a child print/write.
• Practice flash cards or other drill activities.
• Work with the student(s) in established activities and routines such as matching, language practice, sequencing or printing.
• Work with a group of students to assist them with their practice.
• Work at the computer on an assignment with the student.
• Refer to the teacher if the student requires new teaching or re-teaching.

• Mark math exercises while the students are working and refer students with difficulties to the teacher.
• Mark homework or worksheets and refer students with difficulties.
• Edit students' writing.
• Keep charts/graphs of student progress.
• Fill out rewards, certificates, etc.
• Keep class charts and graphs up-to-date.
• Give oral or separate tests to students.
• Assist with a behaviour management program.
• Monitor homework completion.
• Prepare and record in home-school communication book.

• Assist with personal care, such as toileting, dressing, personal hygiene and eating.
• Encourage appropriate playground interaction.
• Assist student(s) on the playground or in the gym.
• Set up and supervise a buddy program.
• Assist with behaviour management in diverse settings.
• Support the student(s) busing skills and community mobility.
• Accompany the student(s) in the community for various experiences.
• Help the student(s) learn to organize materials.
• Assist student(s) in making choices, such as choosing books.
• Accompany student(s) into other educational settings or work settings.
• Help facilitate peer friendships