Helping Out In Your Kindergarteners Class
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You cant believe your child is about to start kindergarten and you want to be there as much as possible to help make the transition easy. So, you think volunteering in your childs kindergarten class is a great idea. For many parents, children, and classrooms it is, but for some it can create more problems and disruptions than would have occurred if the volunteer was not in the classroom. So, consider the following points before you get too excited about volunteering.
What are the School Rules?
You will need to read the school handbook or talk to the headmaster to find out about helping out in your kindergarteners class. Some schools are very welcoming and love the assistance of a parent in the classroom while other schools are very adamant about parents not volunteering. The handbook should cover this information and once you read it you will have your answer. However, even if the handbook allows it there may be some other reasons why volunteering is not a great idea.
How Does Your Child Feel About it?
Ask your child how he feels about you volunteering in his classroom. He may think its a great idea and be really excited about it. Or, he may think it is an awful idea and wonder why you want to embarrass him at school in front of his friends. The way your child reacts to your idea of helping out is really important to consider. You dont want to cause more problems for your child or make him feel stressed or upset. So, make sure you get your childs opinion on the subject before jumping in as volunteer.
Also, make sure your child knows that if at any point he feels like he would prefer you not to volunteer then he can let you know nicely and you will stop. That you are volunteering for him and if it is not benefiting him then you can do something else with your time.
How Does Your Childs Teacher Feel About it?
You may be dead set on volunteering but your childs teacher is adamant that you dont. What can you do in this situation? Simply talk to the teacher about her fears and why she feels this way. She may have a valid point that you should simply accept. Many times when new people come into the classroom teaching is compromised and the children dont know who to look to for guidance or discipline. Sometimes the child of the volunteer acts out and only wants to be with his parent or he may stop listening to the teacher because the teacher is not his mom or dad. Obviously, some problems can arise in this situation.
If you really want to volunteer then consider all of the above topics before making your decision. And, if you cant volunteer dont take it personally. Kids adjust to kindergarten just fine even when their parents arent there to volunteer!
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