The smell of construction paper, crayons and glue evoke so many memories for me.
They smell like childhood.
But for me they also smell like the many hours I worked in my mother’s elementary classroom after school on weekends. She’d have me trace letters and cut them out, put together reading packets, correct homework, organize her in-class library and anything else that she needed. We’d listen to music and work the afternoon away.
Until this school year I hadn’t spent much time in an elementary classroom. They are such bright, cheerful places and in addition to the fond memories, I love volunteering in Lucas’s Kindergarten classroom! I wish every parent could take this opportunity.
For some parents the thought of volunteering in their child’s classroom is scary, but making this contribution can be very rewarding for both you and your child.
If your schedule permits, why not?
Why you should volunteer in your child’s classroom:
It makes my son’s entire week when he knows that I will be spending time in his classroom. He feels special and I know I’m sending a very positive message to him that I care about his class, his teachers, his friends and his school.
There is nothing better than getting first-hand knowledge of what is going on in your child’s class and witnessing their teacher in action.
Spending time with and getting to know the children your child spends a good part of their week with is priceless. These are his friends, maybe for life. No more blank stares or asking, “Who is Matthew again?”.
Working with other students helps you realize that your child is right where they need to be. What other classmates may be struggling with or excelling at can give you great insight into your own child’s progress.
Teachers need help! Often times after working in Lucas’s classroom I get a big hug and a thank you from Lucas’s teachers. They are grateful for my help and I always leave feeling good about myself, even if all I did was filing and cutting strips of paper.
And I defy you to spend time with a bunch of insightful, cute, silly and full of life five- and six-year-olds and not leave feeling better about our world.
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I loved working in G’s classroom when he was in Kindergarten. I didn’t get too very much with my oldest since his baby sister was an infant and it was just hard for me then. It is fun to see them in action and get to know their teacher and friends.
I’ll be sad when I can’t do it anymore. I think the call for help stops after 1st grade.
I am so glad that you are able to volunteer at his school. I can only imagine how excited and happy he is when you are there. Does he chat with you when you are there or does he leave you alone. I bet he had trouble leaving you to work when you first starting going. 🙂
I too have those memories being in Mom’s classroom and helping her out with those tasks. I would often run into her classroom to grab something during my breaks or at lunch time so I would always know her kids very well. I really enjoyed that very much.
I hope that you can continue to volunteer at Lucas’ school for a very long time.
XOXO
I hardly ever get to interact with Lucas when I’m in his classroom, but that’s okay. He sees me helping his friends and he loves to steal hugs and kisses when he can. (:
If my son’s school ever asks for volunteers, I’d say yes!
Good for you! I hope they do.