Parenting Tips to Offer Help in the Classroom
Parenting Advice for Politely Scheduling Volunteer Time at School
Jun 11, 2009
As a stay-at-home mom, you’re in a unique position to offer support in your child’s classroom. Most teachers are overworked and extremely grateful for the assistance. Here is some parenting advice for scheduling volunteer time that will start you out on the right foot.
Parenting Help for Volunteers #1:Check School Policies
Most schools have established guidelines for parents hoping to help out in the classroom. You can find these regulations in the school handbook. Many schools welcome parents of younger students into the classroom, but start cutting back on volunteer time as kids reach fourth and fifth grade. If you have trouble with any of the volunteer guidelines, keep in mind these are school-wide policies which teachers have no control over. You’ll be better served by directing your concerns to the principal.
Parenting Help for Volunteers #2: Schedule Volunteer Time
To maximize your effectiveness, you should schedule a good time to volunteer. Sometimes classroom activities don’t require extra help, and volunteers who didn’t check first find themselves twiddling their thumbs in the back of the room.
When arranging your volunteer time, try to avoid calling your child’s teacher at home. Keep in mind, teachers value their family time as much as you do. Call the school’s office during school hours and leave a message with a number where you can be reached.
Parenting Help for Volunteers #3: Call if Plans Change
If you scheduled a regular routine for volunteering in the classroom, be sure to give the teacher a heads-up when you’re not able to be there. The teacher may have scheduled a lesson at that time which depends on extra hands. Advance notice from you will prevent a frustrating situation where everyone is waiting for you and missing out on instructional time.
Parenting Help for Volunteers #4: Consider Volunteering Assets
When you call ahead to schedule your volunteer time, be prepared to offer how you could be best put to use. Don’t be shy about sharing your past experience that’s relevant to classroom instruction. Teachers appreciate knowing areas where you’d enjoy contributing. For example, if you have a background in reading and speech, there may be specific jobs which you would be best suited to tackle. On the other hand, if you’re more comfortable copying, helping make bulletin boards, or other responsibilities outside the classroom, just say so.
As an involved parent, you’re probably chomping at the bit to get the ball rolling, but take a few minutes to prepare ahead of time. Nailing down a few specifics is key to a rewarding experience for you as a parent/volunteer. If you’re considering volunteering your time at your child’s school, you might also want to check out parenting tips for cultivating professionalism as a parent volunteer and parenting advice on demonstrating respect for a teacher’s time and profession.
