I just started volunteering in Abby’s class. I have a teacher background, so I told her teacher I’d be comfortable with anything from making copies to teaching lessons. Whatever your skill set, your presence in their school is needed. Make it easy for the teacher to have you there. Give her or him your availability and let them know how often you’d like to be able to help. It means a lot to your child, and it CAN BE a real help to the teacher. Try to make it that way…a fly on the wall who is willing to do what needs to be done. It’s nice to be a fly on the wall. You can assess where your child is at. You can see if they are squirmy and need to practice sitting still. You can see that character traits they are exhibiting or need to work on. Perhaps they are quiet and shy and you want to help bring them out. Maybe they are overbearing and you need to teach them how to put others first. You’ll be able to see where they are compared to other kids in terms of ability. The most important thing, however, is that you are present and showing your child they are valued and you care. You also have the ability to be a light to the staff, other kids and parents at the school.
I agree! It is so important to build a home-to-school connection throughout all the years of your child’s education. It’s a win/win/win for you, your child and the teacher!