Parents as Volunteers in Elementary Education

Parents are often the first teachers in a child’s life, which is why it makes complete sense that they’re involved in their education on a continuing basis even after the children start attending school. Parent volunteer programs in elementary schools provide interested moms and dads the opportunity to see on a first hand basis how their child copes in the classroom as well as help out with the activities on a day to day basis. Volunteering at your child’s school may seem like a lark, but it comes with its own set of responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know before you sign on for the task:

• Every school has requirements that you must meet before you’re taken on as a volunteer. Make sure you meet these qualifications and that you’re fully aware of what the job entails before you accept the position.
• Your child will be in the classroom, but there’s no guarantee that you’re going to be assigned to work with him/her.
• If your child has a problem with you interacting with other children (as children of that age are prone to bouts of jealousy), leading to continuous disruptions in the classroom, talk to your little one and get him/her to behave. If the problem persists, it’s best to drop out with good grace.
• Don’t misuse this opportunity to interfere in the way your child is doing at school. Observe, and help only when you’re asked to.
• Take it in your stride without becoming too protective when you see another parent volunteer or teacher take your child to task for misbehavior or some other form of indiscipline. If you do, you’re sending your child the wrong signal that you’re going to be at hand to bail him/her out whenever a problem arises.
• Set an example by ensuring that you and your child are on time to school.
• Do not attempt to discipline a child on your own; your responsibility is to inform the teacher in charge if there is an issue with a child’s discipline.
• Volunteer for tasks that you enjoy, but take on those that you don’t as well when asked to. It’s elementary school after all, and there’s no reason to pick and choose what you will and will not do.

While volunteering can be loads of fun and give you quality time with your child, there’s a whole lot of stuff you can do from the sidelines even if you don’t qualify to be a volunteer. Find out how you can help from home and contribute to your child’s education in the best way you can, by collaborating and pooling your efforts with that of his/her teacher and the school.

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This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the subject of top university of phoenix review. She invites your questions, comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com