Ideas for Volunteering in the Elementary & Middle School

One way to support your child’s education is to volunteer in the school or classroom. There are many ways to help even if you are short on time. Below are a few ways that you can become involved.

Be a book club parent. Volunteer to coordinate and fill out order forms for book clubs. This can easily be done at home and only requires about an hour each month and is a big help to the teacher.

Be a color and cut parent. Let your child’s teacher know that your can help prepare materials for the classroom. Offer to color, cut, and organize game pieces, art projects, laminate, etc.

Be a library parent. Libraries always appreciate extra help. Volunteer to help reshelf books or pull materials for classrooms. Find a couple of hours each week or each month that you can consistently help.

Be a field trip/special occasion parent. Let the teacher know that you are available to go on field trips as a chaperone or to help with special events in the classroom or at the school such as a musical or field day.

Be a recess parent. Volunteer to watch the students while at recess one day a week. Check with your school principal first to make sure this is possible. If it is the teacher will appreciate the few extra minutes!

Children love to see their mom or dad at school during the day and it only takes a little time and effort to help make a big difference in your school.

Margaret Sarver, a former elementary school teacher, lives in Lenexa with her husband and their two daughters.