How to Participate in Your Child's Classroom

There is no better way to support your child's efforts in school, and education in general, than to volunteer in his or her classroom. Here's how to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Electronic Personal Organizers
• Calendars
• Notebooks
• Personal Organizers
• Writing Pens
• Dr. Seuss Reading Games Software
• Educational Software
• Encyclopedia And Dictionary Software

1. Talk with your child about your intention to volunteer in his or her classroom. Younger children may need help understanding why you're coming and time to work out how they'll behave when you show up; older children may want to plan to be sick the day you're scheduled to appear.
2. Find out what kind of help your child's teacher needs most. Helping 26 8-year-olds cover their books with newspaper may not be very glamorous, but it is necessary, and your participation can go a long way toward building parent/teacher goodwill.
3. Establish a schedule for your participation. It's okay if you can only volunteer once a month as long as you communicate your schedule to the teacher so that he or she can plan to take advantage of your being there.
4. Share the wealth. Remember that you are there to help the entire class, not just your own child.
5. Build on classroom learning at home. Now that you have an intimate understanding of your child's in-school learning experiences, you are in an excellent position to extend that learning beyond the classroom.