It is vital to be aware of teaching practices and the effects it has on children. Using a preschool classroom coach is a way to gain insight into the quality of teaching. A coach helps to provide feedback and ensures that everyone can achieve to their full potential. He can be someone from the school or an outside person. The aim is to build a supportive environment where constructive criticism is used to improve the teaching quality.
A classroom coach is an active observer who listens to teaching with the explicit aim to help and support the teacher. A coach encourages teachers to improve their teaching and look for suitable solutions to problems. He supports them in setting appropriate goals and choosing methods of assessing the children in relation to these goals. Together, they can identify areas that need developed and discuss possible outcomes of changes in teaching methods.
A coach can help suggest ideas and methods to introduce literacy and math activities into the classroom. In many classrooms, there is more than one teacher, which means the coach can help and support the teacher by engaging in joint teaching activities. This is an exciting way to have professional development and to encourage teachers to test and try new methods. Suggesting ways to deal with problem situations related to a child or his parent can also be provided.
Coaches can spend time in the classroom helping children by working with them either individually or in groups, allowing teachers to work with smaller groups of children. Students benefit from one-on-one interaction, even if it is only for a short amount of time. Nevertheless, the effects on their motivation and self-esteem may promote development in literacy, math and thinking. Providing background information before the coach works with a child, ensures the session is carried out in the best possible way.