As a paraeducator, you may have the chance to work with numerous students throughout the school day on an individual basis, in a small group situation, or in a large group setting. You will have the wonderful opportunity to meet students as you work with them. Part of working successfully with students "is knowing the students". The more you discover about a student, the easier it becomes to work with him or her.

Getting to Know the Student

There are many ways to learn more about the student so you can know how to best reach him/her during instruction. It is important to remember that you are in a role where the student will look up to you and may consider you a friend. You should be friendly with the student, but not become so close that you lose the studentŐs respect as an authority figure and are unable to be firm when necessary. The relationship should be one that communicates respect and caring. Specific techniques which encourage positive interaction include:

• Using student's first name,
• Establishing eye contact, and
• Discussing the student's interests.

A different method of getting to know one student may be more appropriate than another. The success of a method will vary depending on the personality of the paraprofessional and of each student. The following ideas are some which may be used in establishing relationships with students during instruction.

Student Characteristics and Interests

1. Observe the student

   Observe the student in the classroom situation, by him/her self. What types of activities seem to motivate the student and how can you use the knowledge you gain from observing the student?

2. Open conversation with the student:
   • Ask about their day, family,
   • Ask what they enjoy during free time,
   • Discover their interests and activities, and
   • Tell about yourself.

3. Be approachable
   • Give students your undivided attention,
   • Listen carefully to questions and concerns, and
   • Understand the student's world, relate to events of interest to the student.

Student's Ability Level

1. Student's skill level
   • It is important to be aware of the student's skill level in the subject in which you will be tutoring. If you do not know this from prior experience with this student, be sure to ask the teacher.

2. Strengths and weaknesses
   • Note student strengths as well as the areas where they need more work. Build on successes and report any frustrations of the child to the teacher.

3. Instructional Strategies
   • Talk with the classroom teacher about which instructional strategies they have found to work well with the student(s). For instance, the student may read best orally when alternating pages that are read with another student.

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