If you have some spare time, volunteering to help at your child’s school is a good idea. Teachers will appreciate your help, even if you only spend an hour per week. It’s a great way to show that you value your child’s education and are willing to invest time into it.
Parents are a valuable resource to the school and can teach children the importance of thinking about the entire community. You will gain a better understanding of the daily activities of your child by interacting with teachers, administrators and support staff. This will help you to best assist them at home with their schoolwork. You’ll stay young and learn about the latest trends in children’s culture, which will help you better connect with your child.
The secondary schools would especially welcome help, as most people get involved with their children when they are young and believe that the secondary schools don’t need their help. By the time teens are in high school, many parents have returned to full-time work and can’t offer as much support. A school with a thriving and active parent community must ensure they are promoting this success in their future prospectus designs. For more information on School Prospectus Design, visit a site like https://www.fsedesign.co.uk/school-prospectus-design/
If you feel you have something valuable to contribute, talk to your child’s teachers. They may be able to help you or direct you to the department head to answer any questions you might have. Joining the Parent Teacher Association, or a Parent’s Advisory Council could be another way to actively get involved. Here are some ways to volunteer if you want to be more involved.
- Help with 1:1 reading time
- Assist in the classroom by preparing equipment, etc.
- Playground monitor
- Children with Special Needs: Helping them to thrive
- If you are able to, help run a club. Or start a new one if that is your expertise.
- Offer to help with paperwork in the office
- Attend School Board Meetings
- Help the children to change their books or work as a librarian assistant
- Art or design projects: Help with the project
- Volunteer to speak at a career day
Remember that teachers will appreciate your presence if you are willing, enthusiastic, and have the time to assist them. The school will also have to perform a DBS check for anyone who has access to school and pupils.
Helping a shy child settle at school
Starting school is exciting for some children and daunting for others. If your child is shy, try not to worry too much at first. Many young children are still learning how to play with others, and some will play alongside classmates rather than with them for a while. Being quiet is simply part of some personalities.
Keep in regular contact with the teacher. Talk about how your child behaves at home compared with school, what they find difficult, and how the classroom might feel more comfortable. If your child has a particular interest, such as space, the teacher may let them bring in something related. They do not need to present it, but talking about a favourite subject can help them open up.
At home, practise skills like writing and painting when your child is relaxed, and make it feel like a game rather than work. Children all develop at different speeds. Helping in class, even for an hour a week, can also reassure your child and give you a feel for their day.
