Do you make the most of your parent volunteers?
I have a sign by the door reminding them of possible tasks that often need doing.
I also have a bin by the door with projects to copy, laminate, etc. They have a sticky note with directions so they don't have to bother me. Yes, it takes a second to write down what you want but I barely ever make copies anymore and it saves SO much of my time not cutting and laminating!
There are many times a parent comes in, works for an hour silently, then waves good-bye on the way out the door. I don't schedule parents at the same time. Have you ever shushed someone's talking and find out it was the parents?
Now I sound pretty mean but I also have parents scheduled at times to help with computer lab, art projects, science lab, etc where they can interact more with the kids.
On the other hand, I did have a parent washing my windows yesterday, so maybe I am mean. ;-)
{That sounds terrible but they were so dirty and we were putting artwork in them. Luckily it was a super cheery mom.}
WOW! I wish I had parent volunteers. : / I work in a low income school where we have a lot of single parents, parents who are in school, or parents who are just plain busy with work/kids/life. I love your ideas, though!
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think you are mean, I do the same thing!
ReplyDeletehttp://teacherscannotlivebyapplesalone.blogspot.com/
Fantastic idea thanks for sharing!!
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