5 Ways to Get Involved at Your Kid's School
The school year is half over (yikes!). While some parents are mapping out summer camp schedules, many others are still trying to figure out how to make time to volunteer at their child's school. (And some of you may still be wondering how you're going to complete mandatory volunteer hours...)
Whether you're a working parent or the chief household officer (or both!), finding time to participate in school activities can stretch your scheduling skills. You have an additional challenge if you have more than one child in school and want to volunteer in both classrooms. (Kindergarten through third grade usually has the most classroom volunteer options. As kids enter older grades, parent involvement in classroom activities is reduced and usually related to class parties, field trips or larger school events.)
The good news? You still have plenty of options to get involved at your child's school. Your first step is to think about what's important to you in terms of your volunteer efforts: Do you want to be in the classroom? Do you want to go on field trips? Contribute supplies to parties? Next, figure out about how much time to offer. Be realistic and don't offer more than you can give. Lastly, contact your child's teacher and let him/her know that you'd like to get involved in any available classroom activities and what dates and times your available. Most teachers are eager to have parental help and will gladly put you on the volunteer schedule.
When my oldest son started kindergarten, another mom with older kids gave me sage advice: Don't worry if you can't volunteer as much as you'd like at any given time. Your child will be in school for years to come you'll have many opportunities that work for your schedule and really interest you.
But if you still need some ideas on how to get involved in your child's classroom this year, these five options are usually available at most schools and are easy to fit in even the busiest of schedules:
At home activities. If you can't participate in the classroom, most teachers have plenty of projects for parents to complete at home. If you have kids in younger grades, you could be asked to trace and cut out shapes, letters or numbers that the kids will decorate later on. Teachers in upper grades might ask you to cover journals or assemble assignment packets for the class.
Story time. Younger kids love hearing a different voice at story time. Whether it's during your child's weekly visit to the school library or once a month, bring in a favorite book, lots of energy and get reading. (Don't forget to ask the kids good questions, too!)
Classroom helper. Aside from story time, teachers often need extra hands and eyes in the classroom to help kids with special assignments (e.g., one-on-one reading sessions, art activities, computer class). Check with your child's teacher to see if he or she has a regular or one-off opportunity that would fit your schedule.
Field trips. Teachers always need chaperons for field trips. This option is ideal for working parents because field trips are typically mapped out a month (or more) in advance. Whether it's a few hours or a full-day trip, you'll learn a ton about your kid's class by watching them all day. (Tip: Bring a camera and snap photos of the field trip for the class yearbook.)
Classroom parties/events. Even though it's already the middle of February, there are still many, many class parties that need parental assistance. Some schools have celebrations for Dr. Seuss' birthday (3/2), St. Patrick's Day, the first day of spring, and year-end parties...the list is endless. And don't forget about bake sales and other school fundraisers, which often happen on weekends. Check with the room parent or the event coordinator and see if you can either be a party/event helper or contribute food or supplies. You could also help with decorations, staff the event, snap photos, or clean up.
Do you like to help out in your kid's classroom and school? How do you find time to get involved?
Share your kids' school photos and any other fun, embarrassing or incredible moments that you have captured on the Moments of Motherhood Flickr Group. While you are here take part in discussions with other moms.
Related:
Class mom aspirations
Parenting Guru: Things I love about volunteering in the classroom
Parenting Guru: Gratitude for the School Librarian
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