Classroom Support
A student finishes work early and starts wandering the room. What is the best way to support them without interrupting the teacher?
What is: Offer a quiet choice (book puzzle, drawing), redirect to an established early-finisher routine, stay calm and non-disruptive, not make the early-finisher choice more fun than the assigned task.
A child cries because they miss their caregiver?
What is: Acknowledge feelings, use calming language, redirect gently to an activity.
You're unsure how to support an accommodation or a student who is having struggles?
What is: Ask the classroom teacher, follow the plan as written.
The classroom feels stressful today. What is a team- supportive action you can take?
What is: Stay calm, Offer support quietly, focus on students.
A student leaves the line or designated area?
What is: Stop and secure the student immediately, notify the teacher.
You are responsible for the class and you do not have the left activities complete when it's time for lunch recess?
What is: Be mindful of the time, considering all tasks, (putting materials away, getting dressed for outside, lining up etc.) and make adjustments to report on time to recess.
Two students argue over a toy?
What is: Help label feelings, coach turn-taking or problem solving, avoid immediately choosing for them.
Helping a student who receives special education services or in need of services?
What is: Keep information confidential, discuss concerns only with appropriate staff.
You disagree with a classroom decision?
What is: Speak privately with the teacher, use respectful language.
A child shares concerning information?
What is: Listen carefully, report to the appropriate staff immediately.
The teacher steps out briefly?
What is: Supervise students, maintain routines.
A child throws blocks when frustrated?
What is: Ensure safety first, name the feeling, redirect to a safer expression.
A child needs/uses visuals for routines?
What is: Refer to visuals consistently, use them proactively (not only during problems).
You're unsure about a direction?
What is: Ask for clarification, follow up at an appropriate time.
A child asks for a hug?
What is: Use school-approved comfort strategies, offer alternatives (side hug, pat on the back, sitting nearby).
A child refuses to clean up?
What is: Use visual and verbal reminders, offer choices, stay calm and consistent.
A child says, "I can't do this!?"
What is: Encourage effort ("Let's try together"), break the task into steps, praise persistence.
A student needs frequent movement breaks?
What is: Follow the plan use brief, purposeful movements.
A family asks about a child's progress?
What is: Redirect to the teacher, keep the response general.
A child ingests something that may or may not be harmful?
What is: Ensure safety, follow school procedures, get help if needed.
The teacher is giving whole-group instruction and a student asks you for help?
What is: Encourage the student to listen to the teacher, use quiet prompting or wait time, avoid interrupting instruction unless necessary.
A child struggles to sit during circle time?
What is: Allow movement supports (wiggle seat, spot on carpet), provide quiet reminders, adjust expectations.
A strategy is not working?
What is: Share observations with the teacher, do not change the plan independently.
You have a helpful observation?
What is: Share respectfully, focus on student needs and not criticism.
A student (is not feeling well and) asks to go to the bathroom alone. You are currently supervising other students. What is the safest and most appropriate response?
What is: Keep the student supervised, notify staff with a radio call, do NOT send the student alone if supervision cannot be maintained.