Classroom management is one of the most important elements in education. In order for teachers to educate students, the learning environment must be one where students are focused and on task. The kindergarten assistant walks around the classroom helping students who have questions and making sure all students are on task. At times, the kindergarten assistant may need to remind students of the class rules or even remove someone from the area if there is a distraction.
In kindergarten, the students work with a lot of photocopies, papers pulled from workbooks, worksheets and drawings.The kindergarten assistant is responsible for the day-to-day administrative activities in the classroom. Part of the job is to collect and grade homework, read notes from parents and send home any necessary correspondence from the school. Most assistants also make photocopies, create homework packets, check attendance, grade tests, organize students' work, sharpen pencils and stock classroom supplies.
Teachers must prepare lesson plans in advance and the assistant has to stay abreast of each lesson the teacher is sharing with the class. Part of the kindergarten assistant activities will include helping with the preparations of these lessons. The kindergarten assistant may cut construction paper, setting out paint, glue sticks, scissors, crayons and other items. The lead teacher may also ask the assistant to teach a part of the lesson or to teach the lesson to a small group of students.
Students in kindergarten are young and are developing independence. Many of the students often need help as they are learning these new tasks. The kindergarten assistant helps the students at arrival to school and dismissal at the end of the day. Assisting students in setting up for breakfast, lunch and snack time is often a duty for the kindergarten assistant. The assistant may be asked to monitor students as they use the bathroom and leave the classroom area.