Sunday, August 03, 2008

Help!

So one of the things I've been given permission to do this term is have parent volunteers in the classroom.

But before I ask them to come in, I'd like to make sure I won't be boring them to tears!

Naturally, it'll be good just to have another set of eyes in the room. I think I can also ask the volunteer to pass out papers. I don't often have things that need to be taken to other teachers or the office, but volunteers could take care of that I think. I'll have to check.

Grading is definitely out. Copying is also out, since it's coded and we're not posta give our codes out.

What could I have a parent volunteer do in a high school classroom that would be both helpful and not excruciatingly dull?

Edit - group work is definitely an option, but I don't know that I will be able to have it that specifically scheduled. But we do have some work time each day. Possibility: have volunteer walk around the room as students are working & ask the students to explain what they're doing?

Image thanks to http://www.catholicartworks.com/teachers_helper_edition_07.htm

4 comments:

crysnrob said...

One idea, if you know a small group of kids need extra help with something, let the parent guide the class in some discussion or activities you prepared while you work with the group that needs help.

HappyChyck said...

Can you plan around when the volunteers are coming? I love having extra hands in my classroom on days when we are doing projects, small group discussions, writer's workshop, and etc.

--And I would probably have a heart attack if I actually had a helper in my publications class! It gets so crazy in there that sometimes the students don't get much in the way of journalism instruction, and am too brain-dead to find the simplest errors on the articles and copy.

cupcake said...

Can they babysit the class while you go get your nails done? Or is that not the kind of help you're seeking?

Think of those times that you wish you had someone around to help out, and bring them in for those lessons. Group work seems like a great opportunity to have parents provide assistance.

Anonymous said...

Personally, I'd use them like I use student assistants: errands, getting stuff organized, creating displays, maybe sitting in the hall with kids trying to get caught up or with kids who do better reading aloud. Unless the parent was experienced with school settings, I wouldn't plan group work -- too chaotic feeling.

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