Volunteering In The Classroom

Parent involvement in all levels of their children’s education has shown to play a key role in the success of a student. Students that understand their parent’s commitment to their education have enriched self worth and place greater value on their education.

Parent participation schools serve both parent and child. While the child is learning and growing, with the support of teachers and involved parents, parents and family members working as Classroom Assistants have the opportunity to witness their child’s development and to learn from the professional staff and other parents. Classroom Assistants gain an understanding of their child’s educational goals and learn ways of helping their own and other students to achieve these goals.

The continuum that is created as a result of parents in the classroom benefits students, parents and teachers, as parents are able to bridge what is accomplished at school with what happens at home. Teachers and parents are able to work together in support of the student.

Classroom Assistants also enable teachers to take advantage of a considerably lower adult to pupil ratio. Individual and small group projects are made possible through the support of Classroom Assistants.  Such ratios are particularly important with our constructivist, project-based learning model.

The following are some guidelines for making your time in the classroom a satisfying experience for you and the community of learners you will be spending time with.  While in the classroom there are several things to keep in mind:

1. Keeping Children Safe

The most important thing you do in the classroom is to help keep children safe, both physically and emotionally. Unsafe behavior must be stopped immediately. Request help right away, if more than one child is involved. You may need to separate the individuals for the physical or emotional safety of those involved. When you intervene use a calm, quiet voice. It is important that you become familiar with NVC problem solving/conflict resolution skills.  Please refer to our handbook and utilize workshops and handouts provided during the school year to learn these crucial skills.  Please also refer to our Recommended Reading List for more resources.

2. Helping the Teacher(s)

While you are in the classroom you are the teachers’ extra set of hands. As a Classroom Assistant you will participate with the teacher(s) and students in developing, leading, implementing and assisting on projects or classes. You may also provide assistance at the start of the day, during lunch or recess, at the end of the day or on field trips.

3. Interacting with the Children

When you are interacting with the children in the classroom, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, try to imagine the world from the child’s point of view. Consider how you appear and sound from their perspective. Sometimes you may interact to offer help or guidance, and sometimes you might step back, and let the children direct the plan or control the space. It is often helpful to physically get down on their level and view things from that perspective.

Resist the urge to do things for the students. If the plan is a craft or art project, resist the urge to do the project with them. For many children, it is intimidating to see what an adult can create, and they can’t help but compare what they are able to do with what you can do. This can become so frustrating that they give up the plan entirely.  They also may try to copy what you do, and not use their own creativity.

When talking to children about their work, do not pass judgment, either positive or negative. Research has shown that the more people are praised for doing something, the more they lose interest in the activity itself. The point is no longer to read, think, or create — the point becomes getting the compliment. If you have to say something, report what you see. Saying “You’ve used such bright colors” or “You did it!” provides feedback, not judgment.

Ask questions about their work. “Tell me about this” or “How do you feel about what you have created?” is more likely to engage a student’s imagination and nourish their interest than saying “Good job.” There are books and handouts available at Pacifica if you are interested in more information about the effects of praise on children.

4. Questions and Problems

Each of us comes to school with a different knowledge of children’s behavior. We each may react differently to a given situation. At school we must have as consistent an environment as possible. The teacher(s) set(s) the tone for the classroom, and model our humanistic philosophy.

If there is a question about what happens in the classroom, please do not discuss it during class. At a later time, ask the teacher questions like, “I was wondering about when…” or “Can you explain the process of….”  Pacifica is designed to promote pro-social behavior, and the teacher provides the example for how this is done.  Environment plays a vital role in how a child’s behavior.  Working together, we can create a space for our children to grow and learn.

If you have a question or concern about a child, please do not discuss it during class. Speak directly to the teacher at a later time.  Respect the confidentiality of the child and do not discuss students with other parents. Also realize that the teacher may not be able to discuss confidential matters with you about a child. The teacher can help you understand what is happening with a child, and suggest ways of supporting him/her.

Each and every one of our students needs your unconditional love and support. Practice seeing them perfect just the way they are.  Work at accepting them, as they are, when it is hardest for you to do so. From Twelve Exercises for Mindful Parenting: “Every child is special, and every child has special needs. Each sees in an entirely unique way. Hold an image of each child in your heart. Drink in their being, wishing them well.”

If you have a question or concern about the teacher or another adult, again, wait until after class time to discuss it. Speak directly to the person, and again ask questions. Try to keep an open mind. If you aren’t satisfied with the result, take your concern to a teacher or the Director. They may be able to answer your concern or set up a facilitated meeting to bring about resolution.

Respect confidentiality and resist the urge to discuss issues with other people. Dialog with the people who can most effect understanding or change. If you are still not satisfied, follow the Conflict Resolution policy.