Spend Time at School

I have found that volunteering at school is beneficial for the entire "school experience" (for both parent and child). I have volunteered in the elementary school library since my oldest started Kindergarten. I also help their teachers as needed (with copying or whatever task they need help with).

Volunteering gives me a great appreciation for how the school "ticks" and teacher expectations. It shows the teachers that I care and want to support them in a way that aids them. And my daughters see I care and want their school experience to be a great one.

When I worked full time, I spent an hour a week at the school. As I started using flex time and part time, I would allocate a day during which I spent part of the day at school. Now that I am a "stay at home" mom, I still allocate 1 day for volunteering.

I have found that volunteering does not have to stop when the kids move on to middle school. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer in middle school. I spend a morning each week, working in the library. I am able to observe the kids and teachers using the library. It gives me a better feel for how the Middle School "ticks" and a better understanding of what my daughter's school environment is like (without being intrusive).

Take the time (even if it is just 1 hour per week), VOLUNTEER!

Parent Comments on "Spend Time at School"

View 6 comments: Newest-Oldest, Oldest-Newest
Display fewer comments

That would be nice if the school allowed it, but some schools just don't allow it. My kids Magnet school loved volunteers and I was there on a daily basis for 5 hours a day, then we moved and they were enrolled in a regular school and I was told they don't have an *open* door policy.

It seems in my experience of volunteering as PTO president for two years and as cubmaster for 9 years, concession stand manager for baseball, and football photographer & banquet chairperson, that it is always the busiest person who finds time to help out. Volunteers are wonderful people.

I still volunteer at my daughters school. I think its is needed , plus it's a way for parents to meet.
Take the time (even if it is just 1 hour per week), VOLUNTEER!

I totally agree with you. I love helping out at my son's school. I know what's going on, what they are learning, and I also get to know the person that is teaching my child. Volunteer if you can. It is very rewarding and beneficial to your child's school.

I agree absolutely, 100%. Our PTO runs a Three for Me program. It basically asks parents to promise to give at least three hours over the course of the school year. That is SO doable, even for working parents. We include volunteer opportunities such as copying, listening to children read, building bulletin boards, even coming to school for lunch with your child or attending a school board meeting or parent group meeting. All of these help your child know that you value their education and are taking an active interest in it and their school.

This is great advice for how to get involved in your child's school- and one hour a week is something even the busiest parent can find a way to do. Encouraging each other to become more involved in our children's schools and education is what this community is all about. Thanks so much for your words of wisdom!

Related keywords: school, volunteering, experience, kids, care, volunteer, job, work, teacher

Any contributed content above is the subjective opinion of that member or external author, and not of GreatSchools. GreatSchools does not check for accuracy in community posts or verify the contributor’s identity. If you are searching for health-related advice we strongly suggest you seek professional medical support. View our Community Guidelines for more details.