4 minute read
Helping Hands
By Amy Hues, Parent
Schools across the country help to empower our children with learning and knowledge so that they can become successful individuals in life. By providing life skills such as; communication, critical thinking, independence and social skills, our children are able to grow up and go on to become whatever they choose to be. The encouragement and involvement from us as parents help them feel that their dreams become realities.
Leading by example is just one of the many things we can do for our children. There are many ways that we can do this, specifically around their education. Children learn by example, therefore, when you become a part of your child’s education, it can impact and improve qualities that we don’t always take into consideration, such as behavior, attendance, and social skills. By parents/guardians being informed and excited about what is going on at the school, in turn displays to children the desire to become excited and adapt in their school setting.
I remember dropping off our oldest for his first year of kindergarten in 2019. I vividly remember watching him walk away. I immediately felt the words “well, what is next” come over me. This question led me to have many more questions about what was going on around the school, what kind of events are being put on this year, and how often do we get to hear from the teachers? I knew that many of the questions led to one unanimous answer; I needed to get involved with my child’s education more than just dropping him off every day.
Getting involved became important to me, as it not only was it allowing me to make connections with the teachers and staff but it provided me a new appreciation to see how teachers work together for our children. Becoming more involved also shed light on how the events that go on throughout the school could not happen without the help of volunteers. Between the events, and getting inside the classrooms there are always opportunities and things that we can do for our schools, teachers and children. It was also an opportunity to meet their friends, their friends’ parents and learn who our children are growing up with as they move on throughout their education while creating new relationships. Watching the children get excited was another benefit. When you come in to do reading groups, or are walking through the halls from making copies, the kids become very excited to see you.
Becoming involved is so much more than just attending events throughout the year or participating in fundraisers. I have found “being involved” can mean being physically present on campus or seeing what teachers need to better serve our children, after all, our teachers are where it all begins! Being involved can also include seeing if the front office could use any support, asking the PTA what events you can volunteer at, tearing math pages out of books, making copies, participating in reading groups or donating class supplies for projects. These gestures can help teachers in tremendous ways. Teachers spend countless hours preparing in their classrooms, prepping lessons, grading work, attending meetings and showcasing how brilliant our children are, it is only fair that we show them the same. Instead of worrying about what else needs to be done, the teachers are able to focus on what more they can do for their students in the classroom because their task was completed. I can personally say that teachers become so appreciative, even if it doesn't seem like a big task, or a lot, what you are giving back to them is more than we know.
While not all parents/caregivers are able to volunteer their time, I have seen a difference when parents become involved, in a very positive way. When you get involved with your child it shows you are not only invested in your child but the school that supports their growth and development. There is such a difference when you become involved in your child’s education and get on campus or volunteer at events. I encourage all caregivers to be involved in your child’s education through volunteering, not only does this help your child but their teacher and school as well.
