Guidelines for Working With Students

Safe Interaction with Students

• It is always best to have another volunteer, staff member, or parent in the general area where you are working with students. If, however, you are going to work alone with students, it would be best to stay in an open area or leave the door open to the room where you will be working.
• To protect your privacy and that of the students, do not ask for the student's address, phone number, or email address or share yours with a students without discussing it with staff or their parents first.
• Never release phone numbers, addresses, or email addresses of students, teachers, staff or volunteers to anyone without proper approval.
• Let your conversations demonstrate respect for others and avoid language that may be perceived a discriminatory, sexist or offensive. You are the role model.
• Treat all students in the same manner.
• If a student shares anything that causes you concern for their health or safety, tell the teacher as soon as possible. They will follow up on the information.
• Handshakes and "high-fives" are generally safe, if welcomed and invited by the child.
• There is really no "safe" area to touch if the student does not invite or welcome it.
• Never touch a child in anger.

Communication and Listening

• Be supportive and accepting.
• Allow time for the student to talk without interruptions.
• Avoid labeling or judging the student.
• Ask questions when you do not understand.
• Listen carefully to the student. This shows them that they are important and the you are interested in them.
• Pay attention by looking at the student when they speak.
• Use openers such as "Tell me about your morning." or "What did you think of that book?"
• Encourage the speaker by saying, "I see." or "That's interesting."
• Paraphrase what is said.

Building Positive Self-Esteem

• Provide consistent acceptance of them as people.
• Help them recognize their strengths and talents.
• Praise and encourage honestly.
• Be patient.
• Avoid making promises.
• Admit your mistakes.
• Do not betray confidences unless for safety reasons.
• Provide individual attention.
• Accept what you know to be their best work.
• Learn to spell and pronounce their names correctly. It is very important to them!

Tutoring Tips

• Take time to familiarize yourself with material and instructions before you work with students.
• Demonstrate rather than just talk, show as you tell.
• Introduce new material slowly. Plan two or three activities to introduce the same concept.
• Use concrete manipulative materials that involve the use of more than one of the student's senses.
• Try to connect the work to something outside the school so that students can see how schoolwork fits into their lives.
• Allow the student the opportunity to take the lead in situations she or he can manage.