Life as a TA

Well, first off, we're not exactly teachers' assistants. We plan our own lessons, lead classes tout seul, and often design our own materials. If you want to know what an average day is like, then remember the job is your basic 9-5 work schedule. We may have an hour during the day to relax, but for the most part, the day is filled with classes, planning, and activities.

Jennifer with her GS class (kindergarten age)

Take a usual Monday as an example:

8h45/9h
Classes begin. Jennifer heads to the maternelle (preschool) for her 9 o'clock class, and Kevin starts his day at Fracasse at 8:45. It's nice to walk less than five minutes to work, and we try not to mind the common Normandy rain. Classes at this time last between an hour and 90 minutes, divided between two groups.

10h45
Meeting with Ivan. During this time, usually while sipping coffee, we discuss discipline problems in class, ideas for lessons, and afternoon activites. They're mandatory, but relaxed. You'll learn Ivan is serious about the job but goofy at the same time.

12h-14h
Your duties will be split between the petits and the grands. The younger kids (petits) eat lunch during the first hour and have activites involving drawing, painting, or sports during the second hour. This schedule is flipped for the older kids (grands). They play first, then eat. You may have to work just one hour during this block or both. Eating with the kids can be a good time to test their English. Ask questions like, "Are you thirsty?" They're used to us Americans, we're integrated into school life, and they'll love talking to you.

14h-16h
Sometimes we have class during this block, and sometimes we don't. On a Monday Jennifer has two classes for two hours, but Kevin spends the afternoon planning lessons.

16h30
This is the activity time for kids. This current semester we have English clubs for each age group. Jennifer works with her kids (the CPs or kindergarten/first grade) and Kevin with his kids (CEs or second/third grade). We play games in English, and Kevin is designing a video project with his group.

17h30
Homework time! You'll assist the kids with reading, spelling, verb conjugation, multiplication tables, poetry recitation, etc. We're not expected to stay beyond 6 o'clock, so usually once 18h hits, we pack our bags and head home. You won't have to do this every night, maybe once a week.

Overall, you'll be amazed by how quickly the time passes.

Kevin with his kids during English Club

Tips for the future TAs:

1. Bring a watch
2. Don't worry about planning your lessons before arriving. Ivan will give you a packet with all the info you'll ever need
3. Don't worry about which age group you'll have to teach. Chances are, you're going to work with all the kids in some way, all the way up to CM (fifth graders)