Tip #38 from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents (McKinley & Trombly) - Volunteer

 


Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.

#38

Volunteer

 

Children of fathers with higher levels of involvement in their schools
were more likely to have positive school outcomes than those with low involvement.
(They were more likely to enjoy school, less likely to be expelled or suspended…)
~The Condition of Education, National Center for Education Statistics 1999

 

            You know that being involved in your child’s education can greatly increase his chances for success. Unfortunately, many parents over the years have told us that they would like to help out in the class but don’t really think they have anything to offer academically or aren’t sure if they feel comfortable working directly with the students. Let me tell you that your help in any way, shape, or form will be greatly appreciated by your child’s teacher. Don’t let your fear of not being good at something stop you. You do have something very special to offer: your time!

            There are so many ways to help out in an elementary classroom. Ask your child’s teacher in which areas he could use the most help. From decorating a bulletin board to simply walking around during math time just helping those who need it, your help will be appreciated. Take a deep breath, and go in! Try it! If you like it, offer your services regularly so he can rely on you. (Whether it’s every morning for a half-hour, every Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:00, or for two hours the last Friday of every month, commit yourself if you are able. The teacher will love to have you to rely on.) If you don’t enjoy it, ask what else you can do. Here are some options to think about before you go in. You could help by:

●      Listening to a book club (reading group). Perhaps you’d rather buddy-read one-on-one with a student who really needs extra practice.

●      Monitoring a center at which children may need special guidance such as a scientific experiment, a cooking lesson, or a messy painting project.

●      Cutting out pieces for a project.

●      Organizing and hanging up 30 murals in the hallway.

●      Making copies at the office.

●      Working with a small group on a remedial exercise, e.g., helping children with the spelling words they’re having trouble with, reviewing a math lesson, editing a story, and so forth.

●      Recording assignments turned in.

●      Driving and monitoring a small group on a field trip.

●      Telling the class about a special skill you have by giving a demonstration.

            As you can see, there are so many ways for you to help. Whether you enjoy working with groups of children, one-on-one with a child, or feel most comfortable helping around the room and school, there are so many ways that you can make a difference. You may even discover a particular love of something such as reading with children and decide to offer your services throughout the whole grade level (or school) as a partner for struggling readers or gifted readers who enjoy the extra support you can provide.

            Whatever you choose to do, however often you are able to do it, never underestimate your potential for helping. Kids think it is fun for the class to have a Mom or Dad helping out in the room once in a while, especially if it is their own!

 

 


     Cindy McKinley Alder                                            Patti Trombly

 

For more posts about the authors and their books (this is not the only one), click HERE.

For excerpts from more books, click HERE.

For more excerpts from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents, click HERE.

          For more posts about books about parenting, click HERE. 



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