Dear Mrs. Brooke,

I’ve never had the chance to volunteer in my child’s classroom until now. What should I expect as a classroom volunteer and how can I be most valuable to the teacher?

Parent of a third grader

Dear Parent,

I appreciate your willingness to be a volunteer in the classroom. I realize that all parents’ time is indeed very important, so I want you to know every minute is very much appreciated by your classroom teacher. I also love that you want to know how to be a “valuable” volunteer.

Classroom teachers want this volunteer experience to be the best for you and the students in the classroom. Here are some expectations that will hopefully give you a better idea of what to expect and also enable you to be a valuable part of your child’s classroom:

1. Although it is exciting to be in your child’s classroom, realize that you will not be working solely with your child. Many times you may not even get to work with your child that day. You are there to work with the class and give your full attention to those kids who you are assigned to help.

There are many times you may just be wandering the room helping students who need help, working in small groups, or even working one and one and your child may not be involved in the activity. Please explain this to your child as well. Remind them you are here to work with the class!

2. Remember that your own child’s behavior may not be “typical” when you are present. Frequently, children act out or are very emotional when their parent is present. This may just be out of excitement and joy that you are there, but sometimes it takes a different form. Try to reinforce the class rules by directing your child to show appropriate behaviors.

3. Remember to follow all school rules and safety procedures. For instance, schools do require that all volunteers and visitors to the school sign in and out at the office and wear a name badge for identification.

4. Confidentiality is something all educators must display as a professional in this field. Teachers expect volunteers who work in the classroom to be “professionals” too. Never discuss academic progress of other students or issues involving other students outside the classroom.

5. Be flexible. Often times an assembly is scheduled last minute, or fire drill, etc. The teacher will try to forewarn you, but in some cases may not get a chance. Also, remember that you may not always be doing the same activity. Some days you might help prepare materials while other days you may be at a math station or reading with a child.

6. Try to make as little distraction as possible when entering the room. You are entering a learning environment and you want to add to student learning, not take away. Many teachers have a certain area or bin full of copying and other tasks designated for volunteers to do if they come in the middle of a lesson, which you can often get right to work on. Be sure to ask your classroom teacher about this and if not try to just blend in and see where you can help out.

7. Make sure if you are unable to make it on your day to email or send a note with your child prior to that day if possible. If the teacher is counting on you and you don’t show that may cause some inconvenience for all.

8. Be positive and respectful. Teachers usually always welcome another smiling face that enters the classroom. Although we may seem engrossed in what we are doing often we notice the little words of encouragement given to the students and the respectful interaction volunteers show that help to add to that culture of respect and joy of learning in the classroom we work so hard to create and for that we are so grateful.

As a teacher I don’t know what I would have done many times without my invaluable volunteers. The other students in the classroom benefit so much from dedicated individuals and so does your own child. As your child’s first and most important teacher, by volunteering in your child’s classroom you gain new insights in to your child’s learning and also show your child that you want to be a part of their world.

Joy Brooke is the first and most important teacher of her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. She resides in downtown Kirkland with her husband and two children. Brooke is a National Board Certified teacher in Literacy: Reading- Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood, holds a B.A. in Educational Studies and a M.A. in Educational Policy and Management from the University of Oregon. The opinions provided in this column do not reflect that of the LWSD or any other organization she is affiliated. “Like” Ask Mrs. Brooke’s Facebook page.