Volunteer in Your Child’s Classroom
Classroom volunteers play a vital role in many schools. In this time of increasing academic expectations, the educational system is relying more and more on the extra help that volunteers provide. Grading papers, project preparation, duplicating, and other support tasks are all common activities for school volunteers. In some classrooms, volunteers read with struggling students, help with field trips, provide extra practice on math facts or other rote learning, supervise tests or other assessments, or assist students with computer or library research. Schools and teachers increasingly rely on these willing hands. In short, they need your help. More and more schools (particularly charter and private schools) are instituting a volunteer requirement as a key part of their programs. Parental involvement has been directly tied to student performance and schools are encouraging it as strongly as they can.
Across the country, parents and other adults are returning to school in droves. Some go to spend extra time with their children or to become better acquainted with classmates and teachers. Others want to familiarize themselves with the curriculum and become knowledgeable about the teaching methods and materials. Still others are civic-minded and volunteering in order to be of service to the community, to help improve opportunities for education, or to lighten the teacher’s workload. The reasons are as varied as the people themselves.
So, like it or not, educational volunteerism is rapidly being added to the long list of parental responsibilities. Put it right up there alongside of more established activities, like reading aloud with your kids and feeding them vegetables. Yes, it’s another imposition on our adult time, but the benefits are enormous. The downside is easy to see: another commitment, time away from other pursuits, the stress of working with yet another group of people, and so on. The balance sheet does have a positive side, as well, and you’ll find that it more than offsets the negatives.
First of all, you will leave a lasting impression on your own child. It’s one we all want to instill: education is important. When your child sees you giving up time to help at school, the message is loud and clear: Mom and Dad think this whole school thing is important enough to take action on it. That impression can cause astounding changes in motivation. Your child will have no doubt about your priority.
Secondly, you will discover whole new facets of your child’s life. As a school volunteer, you’ll meet people that your child spends most of his or her waking hours with. Volunteer in class and come away knowing more about your child’s friends and teachers. See for yourself how Tom conducts himself at recess and how Mrs. Smith makes science come alive. Whether your visit confirms complaints or explodes myths, you will come away with new knowledge of your child’s world. This will open those important doors for communication.
Volunteering in the classroom will help you develop a relationship with your child’s teacher, as well. It’s much easier to be honest and open with someone you see regularly than someone you meet once a year for a ten-minute conference. A true partnership can form and that will only benefit your child and his or her education.
Yet another upside is the knowledge you’ll gain about the school. Volunteers have the opportunity to meet school staff, teachers from the next grade, and all of the support persons from secretary to custodian. You can get a feel for the tone of the building and respond with knowledge when your child expresses opinions. You’ll see teaching techniques in action and learn about curriculum. In short, you’ll find out just “what they do in there all day.”
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your volunteer efforts will have a lasting impact on your child’s self-esteem. Nothing quite matches the glow of a young child whose parent “came to help today.” Imagine how important that simple act can make your child feel. Mom or Dad cared enough to take time to come to school. It’s heady stuff, and it can make a profound difference in a child’s life.
Now I can hear the rumblings and murmurings from here. “This is all well and good for parents who stay at home, but I have a full-time job!” Surprise! There are still ways to make this happen (and reap some of the benefits).
Time and schedule are often sticking points. Some volunteers use an occasional vacation day to visit their children’s classrooms. Check your schedule and you may find that you have a day off when your child’s school is in session. You can also talk to your employer. Sometimes you can adjust your starting and quitting times to allow a brief appearance at school at the beginning or end of the day. A surprising number are willing to allow small amounts of time off to enable you to volunteer at school. You and your family benefit, and your company builds a reputation of being civic-minded and a supporter of education. Many employers see that as a fair trade-off.
Check your daily schedule, as well. Sometimes volunteer time can be matched with lunch hour or other breaks. Perhaps you could visit the school on the way to or from work? Some employers may be willing to flex your work schedule once a month to help you reach out and volunteer.
If none of these options are available, ask your child’s teacher about ways to help behind the scenes. Is it possible to help with preparation for a project, grading papers, or after-hours phone calls? Some schools allow donations of books or other supplies. Even such invisible assistance will help your child see the importance you place on education and on their well-being.
The balance sheet is clear. The advantages of volunteering in school far outweigh the disadvantages and inconveniences. Make the time to demonstrate your commitment to your child and to education. You’ll be reaping what you’ve sown for years to come and sending unstoppable positive ripples through your community. Why not start this week?
