Many classrooms, especially in the kindergarten to third grades, have time each day where the teacher, or a guest, reads out loud to the students. Parents who visit the classroom can be guest readers, bringing their child's favorite books to read or reading material provided by the teacher. If your child's classroom does not offer a guest reader program, ask the teacher if it is possible to come in and read.
If your child's school participates in Career Day or Take a Child to Work Day, these are both opportunities to come into the classroom and give a presentation about your job. Bring materials or props, when appropriate, to demonstrate what is done in the job on a daily basis. For example, a doctor or nurse could bring in a stethoscope and let the children hear their hearts beat.
Teachers are always looking for classroom volunteers because there is not enough time in the day for a teacher to do all the extra tasks that need to be done. These may include making photocopies, filing papers and sharpening pencils. Many schools encourage parents to volunteer weekly in the classroom if they can. Parents who visit the classroom regularly to volunteer can help by filing papers, preparing bulletin boards and craft supplies, craft supplies, sharpening pencils, assembling take-home folders, making photocopies and assisting in reading time or center time.
Parents who visit the classroom less frequently typically are there to help with room parties for holidays or act as chaperones for field trips.
Many schools around the country participate in the Junior Achievement Program, which teaches students ways to empower themselves and become better citizens for their communities. Each year the lesson subjects deal with topics such as family, community, the city, the region and the nation. Concepts such as saving and spending money and taking care of surroundings are taught. Junior Achievement provides all the materials needed. Parents and members of the business community are encouraged to teach the short programs. If no volunteers are found, a Junior Achievement staff person will come into the school to teach. The program has no set time to be held. Volunteers should consult their local Junior Achievement office to set up the times so materials can be delivered.
Lessons are short and can be taught by parent volunteers in less than an hour.