Tips for the visit
Working in a school is an incredibly rewarding experience - and
enjoying yourself really is the key. Below are some top tips on how
you and your students can get the most out of the day.
The video below shows Number Partner volunteers talking
about their experiences and giving tips for other
volunteers.
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Before the session
- Arranging to arrive before your session will
give you the opportunity to speak to the teacher and set up so that
you are all ready to go when your partners arrive.
- If you are going to be late or have to change
or cancel your appointment, let your contact teacher know as soon
as possible. You will have a phone number on your School contact sheet
- Dress smartly, one of the great benefits of
the programme is letting youngsters spend time with an adult they
can look up to.
The session
The basic structure of the sessions will stay the same
throughout your time as a Number Partner. You will run a 30 to 60
minute session with your group of 2 or 3 students at a set time
each week. Each game lasts around 20 minutes, so you may manage to
get through two.
- Introduce yourself. Use the About
you form to help. Follow this up by getting to know them -
their likes and dislikes. Keep this information on the Getting to know your
partner form - let the student lead this discussion.
- Use appropriate language at all times and
be courteous and polite at all
times with staff and students. All schools have rules on
appropriate language and behaviour that is acceptable from both
students and staff to keep everyone safe. Avoid being drawn into
overfamiliar behaviour or chat with students and keep your manner
professional at all times.
- Although you should be a friendly ear they can talk to if they
wish, you should make it clear that you can't keep any secrets - it
is in their best interest to let someone else know.
- If it helps, at the start at least, use name
badges. Letting them write their name may help you with
the spelling.
- Keep explanations to a minimum. Write basic
instructions on the whiteboard if available, so that students can
refresh their own memory without having to ask.
- The programme is designed to help students with their mental
maths. Question students, explaining how they have
gone about calculations makes it easier for them to understand
mistakes. You can use Number strategies to help you.
- Everyone processes information in different ways. This is often
called their learning style. Some like to listen
to instructions, some to play and work it out as they go along. Try
to involve different styles of learning when
explaining a problem - use pictures or physical activities to
engage students. Use the downloadable Learning styles
information sheet as a guide.
- Give praise and lots of it, not just for the
right answer but for trying hard or nearly getting something right.
At the end of term present them with a Number
Partners certificate.
At the end
- Take time at the end of the session to recap
briefly on what you have done and what calculations were
involved.
- Tidy up! If you have moved furniture, put it
back. If you have taken out lots of games, then put them away. Get
your group to help you.
Further considerations
- In the event of absence, late arrival or change of session
times, always inform the volunteer coordinator and the school.
- Any exchange of gifts or presents (birthday, Eid, Christmas or
leaving presents etc.) must be agreed between the volunteer
coordinator and the headteacher or school coordinator at the
beginning of the programme. Individual volunteers should not give
gifts to students without first checking whether this is
appropriate with the volunteer coordinator and school staff.
- If you wish or need to leave the programme for any reason, give
at least one month's notice to the coordinators at your company and
at the school, as well as letting the students know about your
departure.