Classroom Helper Protocol Guide
Peer Leadership Protocol Classroom Helpers
Classroom Helper Protocol
Activity Companion Sheet Keep on Desk
Helper: ____________________
Classroom: ________________
Buddy/Table: ______________
The Golden Helper Rule: Guide their thinking — never do the work for them! Hold back your hands so your younger buddy holds the pencil, touches the materials, and solves the challenge.
The 4-Step Activity Cycle
1
Arrive & Connect
Crouch or sit to match their eye level. Greet your buddy with a smile and positive greeting. Listen together as the lead teacher shares instructions.
2
Check for Understanding
Ask them to re-explain the first step in their own words. If they are unsure, point to the visual directions board together.
3
Prompt with Questions
When they hesitate, give 5 seconds of wait time. Ask probing questions rather than revealing answers to foster independence.
4
Praise Effort & Pack Up
Praise specific effort and persistence. Guide your buddy to organize their own workspace before thanking them and signing out.
Helper Language: Say This, Not That
Keep encouragement active & specific
Avoid Saying
- ✕ "Give me the pencil, I'll do this part for you."
- ✕ "No, that's wrong. You made a mistake."
- ✕ "Hurry up, we need to finish this fast."
Try Saying Instead
- ✓ "Where do you think our first step starts?"
- ✓ "Let's look back at the example. What do you notice?"
- ✓ "I love how hard you tried on that tricky part!"
Support Protocol: When & How to Act
Green • You Handle
Stuck on Content
Buddy forgets instructions, misspells a word, or doesn't know where to glue.
Action: Point to clue, re-read together, prompt with choices.
Amber • Coach & Pause
Frustrated or Distracted
Buddy sighs, gives up, lays head down, or starts playing with items.
Action: Validate feelings ("This is tricky!"), take a 30s stretch, break task down.
Red • Tell Teacher
Safety & High Emotion
Tears/crying, running away, physical aggression, refusal, or medical need.
Action: Never argue or discipline. Discreetly alert the classroom teacher at once.
Sat at eye level
Let buddy hold pencil
Praised effort
Cleaned workspace
Thank you for leading!
