How to Volunteer in the Classroom

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By askapeach
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (13 Ratings)

Becoming a classroom volunteer is a great way to assist teachers, students and schools. Classroom teachers spend hours writing lesson plans, teaching students and grading papers. Being a volunteer in the classroom can be very helpful and rewarding if you follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Classroom
Teacher
Students
Volunteer guidelines

Step 1

School

Contact the school district or school where you would like to volunteer about their volunteering guidelines. Most schools request some form of registration. The Parent Teacher Association might also have information on how to volunteer in the classroom.
Step 2

Student

Ask what type of volunteering opportunities are available and carefully select an area in which you are comfortable. Possible areas are working with small groups of students, tutoring a student in a specific subject area, or helping with a class project. Often parents are permitted to volunteer in their own child's classroom.
Step 3

Helping teacher

Volunteer to help the teacher with some of her tasks if you do not feel comfortable working directly with students. Filing papers, cutting out materials, preparing activities, or grading papers are just a few jobs needed by teachers in the classroom. Often teachers will send work home for volunteers to complete and return.
Step 4

Follow through on all areas when you volunteer in a classroom. Show up on time if you have a set time to work with students. Students quickly form a relationship with volunteers so it is important to meet with them when promised. If you must miss a visit, contact the school or teacher ahead of time.
Step 5

Be respectful at all times! If a problem arises discuss it immediately with the classroom teacher. Never discipline a student on your own. Inform the teacher of any concerns and let her deal with the issue.
Step 6

Strive to form a good rapport with the teacher and students. Ask questions when needed. This will result in a positive experience as a classroom volunteer.