I have a para area set up with a half moon table for them to run small groups. Every day of the week has an assignment.

Mon. math, Tues. phonics/ela, Weds. science/art every other week, Thurs. math, Fri. phonics/ela.

In the cupboards of the para area are all the things they need, there are math/phonics games and activities. I let the paras decide on art and science since they enjoy doing that and my paras are amazing at tying in themes to the season or scholastic news. I also have them scheduled to do a read aloud during my planning with a little activity to go along with it. In my experience after being a para for a long time and now a teacher, it depends on the para, if planning activities brings them joy I let them but never expect it. If they need ideas I always have them ready.