The room parent coordinates all the parties and fun events for a classroom. A parent may volunteer to be the room parent or as an assistant to the room parent. The room parent is a traditional role that may mean spending a good deal of time planning activities, decorations and food for parties. The room parent often coordinates parent involvement in field trips, plays or projects. Parents unable to spend a great deal of time, such as working parents, often support the room parent by providing the food or decorations.
Parents who enjoy spending time in the classroom may serve as a tutor or teaching assistant. In this role, a parent often spends time one-on-one with a student requiring extra assistance. The teacher can assign a parent volunteer to a child who has trouble focusing so work can be completed without interrupting the flow of the classroom.
The classroom teacher may enjoy a parent volunteer who can simply be a part of the classroom. Parents who become regular volunteers know the classroom routine and float from task to task. These parents help the classroom teacher during group activities or while students complete their assignments.
A parent can come and give a talk to the class. A teacher may sponsor a career day for their students and invite parents with different jobs to introduce their careers to students. If a parent has a special talent or wants to share some interesting facts with other students, a classroom presentation could be an effective learning tool for the children.
Teachers always have clerical work to be done. Parents can volunteer to complete these tasks. A parent may cut construction paper for art projects, make copies, or stack and staple assignments. The teacher will appreciate the assistance, and more of his time can be spent with the students.