Parent helpers

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Parent helpers
By CLF

I send a survey home early in the year and talk it up at back to school night. I try to get a feel for how they would like to work and what talents they may have. I ask if they want to work 1:1, small group, whole class.
I list possible jobs: listen to kids read, correct papers, clerical work, art projects, math, gardening, anywhere I am needed, special interests or talents. Some people have definite likes and dislikes and others will do anything !! As you get to know them you will get a feel for who can really do what and when. Those who work during the day can be encouraged to join fieldtrips or come on

special project days with enough notice. I sometimes send work home ( laminated materials to be cut out, seasonal things to make, etc.) Also, as I am correcting papers I collect papers in a folder that need correcting `1:1. I save them for when a parent comes in and they quietly call the kids up and help them re-do the work. They may have to be reminded to have the kids read the directions aloud, speak quietly and keep all information confidential. I put these little reminders right inside the work folder for whichever parent may need them. That child then quietly goes to get the next child. It works great. Grandparents can be great helpers too if you need more helpers. When all else fails or when you get the unexpected helper, let the kids read aloud to them 1:1 until each child has a turn. They never get enough of that and it is great for their self-esteem. I got kind of wordy with this...hope it makes sense to you.