The Parent Volunteer meeting is TODAY at 3:00 in my classroom. I will be discussing the expectations of parent volunteers and how you can be most helpful. If you cannot attend this meeting but still have an interest in helping out in our classroom, please let me know. Following is copy of the handout I will be giving:
Parent Volunteers
Table Jobs:*Children will make a table choice first thing in the morning. They must choose a table. If all the seats are full at a particular table, they may ask someone how long until it can be their turn (an appropriate answer would be 5 minutes). They must choose another center until it is their turn.
Writer’s Workshop:*Children will always be drawing their pictures first. K’s will be working on just drawing their picture fully and eventually labeling their pictures (beginning and end sounds are the most important). First graders will be working on labeling pictures and/or writing sentences (1-4 sentences). Second graders will be working on writing several sentences.
*Please DO NOT spell words for the kids. It is important for them to learn to hear all of the sounds in the word. You may help them stretch the word to hear all of the sounds (enunciating each part of the word, for example, d-d-d-o-o-o-g-g-g), but it is perfectly okay if their words are not spelled correctly. This is a natural part of writing development called inventive spelling. Most K’s will leave out most vowels. The only words that I will spell for children are big words that they want to include (for example, Halloween). If you’re not sure whether or not to spell it for them, just stretch it.
*The most helpful thing you can do during Writer’s Workshop is to listen to their stories verbally. Have them explain their picture to you or read to you what they have written. You can ask questions to help them add detail such as: Who else was there? When did this story happen? What happened next? If they tell you part of their story that is not illustrated, ask if they think that needs to be a part of the picture also.
*Children are expected to stay in their seats and raise their hand if they need an adult’s help. They may talk quietly to the people at their table (not at other tables).
*If I am meeting with a small group, I am "off limits." This means that students must wait for another adult (you, Mr. Dany, etc.) to come help them.
Math Centers:*Children are expected to stay at the center they are at until I let them know it is time to choose a new center.
*Each center will have a task. The most difficult thing during this time is being sure the students are using the materials at the table to complete the task in the appropriate way (i.e. not playing). The most helpful thing you can do during this time is rotate through the tables and help children stay on task. Don’t do it for them.
*If I am meeting with a small group, I am "off limits." This means that students must wait for another adult (you, Mr. Dany, etc.) to come help them.
Centers:*This is a time for unstructured play through centers. The only big rule during this time is that they must be at a center where there is space for them. If the center is full, they may ask when it can be their turn and then they must choose a new center until it is their turn.
Behavior:*The way to be most helpful if you feel a child is misbehaving is to quietly redirect their attention. If your efforts are unsuccessful, please let me know so I can help handle the situation.
Please let me know in advance when you plan to join our classroom. It is always helpful for both me and the children to know what to expect. You are always welcome to join us on our fieldtrips, but again, please let me know in advance.
School hours: 704-377-3180
4:00-9:00 : 704-796-0889
jgoodman@commchart.org
