The school year is almost over. It went by so fast.
The best thing about this year has been my ability to volunteer fairly regularly in the classroom. By having this little window into my children's learning, I also get to know the kids in the class and their teachers better.
Talking to teachers only about problems (your kid is distracted in class, doesn't follow directions, forgot their homework, etc.) is never fun. I've had plenty of those over the past 5 years. Volunteering creates another reason to communication with the teacher. You learn about her/him and their classroom needs. You
also can watch teacher at work.
I've been happy seeing how patient my son's teacher is with him and the other kids in class. Same goes for my daughter's teacher. It's hard to control 20 or so kids and teach at the same time.
I missed the volunteer breakfast at school the other day. I had been busy working from home and forgot to go. I felt bad because I missed my daughter's teacher, who brought to me handmade thank-you cards from the kids (I popped in at least twice a month since September, so I got to know them well). One boy asked me to "right" him back. I do plan to send him a note. :)
Next year, I hope to help again.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
I think it's fantastic that
I think it's fantastic that got to be a part of their learning. My son is 12 and my daughter is 7 and I often wonder how to become more involved in their schooling since I can't volunteer (I work during the day and because of my job it's very hard to take just a day off :(). I try to stay involve as much as possible with functions, donations, emails and conferences but as a parent I always wonder "could I do more?" There's always next year I guess and since I'm switching what I do at work (and there will be someone else required to be here full time not just me) I can hopefully volunteer then!
"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."
It's definitely not easy to
It's definitely not easy to volunteer when you work.
This year was a blessing made possible by my job change and supervisor. As a reporter, I rarely made it to the class...and when I did, it was generally last minute. In the morning I'd ask if the teacher needed help and try to make it work. I work many more hours doing this job, but it's definitely much more flexible than being a reporter where I was sent on an assignment last minute.
I think as a parent, though, you do what you can. Before, it might have been sending in school supplies, volunteering for field trip duties, and buying wrapping paper in the PTO fundraiser. Maybe you can negotiate going in later one day a month to volunteer in the morning (just know the work will be waiting and you may have to stay late). It can't hurt to ask.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
Next year will be different.
Next year will be different. I'm an office manager / C.A. for a construction company and unfortunately I work 40+ hours a week and I open and close our office. Next school year will be different. We are hiring someone to replace my "office manager" position (opening, closing and being in the office full time) and I will go and be just a C.A. and estimator. I plan on taking full advantage of the "not having to be there from 7:30 - 4:30 all day and am already looking forward to field trips and at least once a month coming in early or leaving late for other activities with my kids! I can't wait! They last time I was so involved with their schooling it was just for my son and he was in the 1st grade (ouch!).
"It's not to late to become who you've always wanted to be..."
Volunteering is a great way
Volunteering is a great way to see how your child interacts with the other students. You can also identify which kids you would like to encourage friendships with your child. I think it is also important for our kids to see us volunteer and give freely of ourselves to a cause we support. That's a life lesson for our kids.
soccermom of a 12 yr old boy and 15 yr old young lady
That is awesome! My girls'
That is awesome! My girls' school requires we complete service hours either volunteering or donating supplies to the school, etc as part of our school year agreement at a private school. At first I was like, how am I going to find the time, etc. It wasn't as bad as I thought and I actually enjoyed it more than I thought. I'd come to read to the kids, help with projects (except Mother's Day projects of course), lunch room, copies for the teacher, etc. Such a joy and blessing to be part of your child's day at school and at home! Awesome!
There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one!
I had a friend recommend to
I had a friend recommend to me that I volunteer for a classroom one grade higher than our kids (i.e., if my daugther is in 1st, then I should volunteer in 2nd). She said it gives you a great preview for what to expect in your child's next year of development and allows you to really understand the challenges they may face.
I really want to do some in-class volunteering this year.
Has anybody ever done this "one step up" method of volunteering???
Mouse_tales is a discussion leader in the East Valley for arizonamoms.com. She spends most of her days juggling her duties as a (bio & step) mom, wife, and business owner. Her three little kittens range in age from 5 to 13.
I never heard of that, but
I never heard of that, but it is a great way to learn. I volunteered for my daughters teacher one year and the next year they offered me a job. Now 4 years later I am still there and have a job for the first time I really enjoy!
Sandi is a discussion leader for the East Valley. She lives in Chandler with her husband and 10 year old daughter that thinks she is 15.