Volunteering

Volunteering in K2

Let me start by saying that I LOVE volunteers!  In October, I will begin asking for volunteer for centers time.  This is a very important, fun and exciting part of our kindergarten day.  Here are some frequently asked questions:

What are centers?

All you need to do is give 15-20 minutes to your child's classroom as often as you can and watch as they grow and bloom into first graders.  Remember, you are part of this journey too!  Your job is simple...help the students in your assigned group complete the task/tasks at hand.  Directions are almost always provided, so if you think you can't figure it out, you can! The centers will run 4 days per week for 2 weeks totaling 8 days. The days and times will be determined later. One of the most important things to know now is that you may NOT always be with your own child.  I do my best to make that work when I can, however you are here to help ME and I do explain all of that to the students as well.

What is Ms. Hughes doing during centers?

Drinking coffee and checking her e-mail......

No, I am also working at a group with 3 or 4 students who are sometimes pulled from their centers into ability base groups for reading/phonics/skill based instruction. This is when your child's education is what we call "differentiated".  If your child needs help with letters they will get it here, if your child needs help with  blending sounds they get it here, if your child is already reading and needs help building comprehension skills they will get it here.  Every child gets what they need and I group them with other children who need the same things. The best part is that as your child grows and masters more skills, the groups will change to accommodate that growth. The groups are formed based on the results of the RELA assessment which will be given to your child at the end of September. This will test basic letter recognition, sight words, and some phonics as well as beginning reading skills.  The results will be shared with you at our November conference.  You should also know that while I am working with the small groups the rest of the class is instructed to seek help from anyone in the class EXCEPT me.  The time with my groups is short and I need every minute with them to be productive. Many times I am able to plan the centers so that I can just join an entire center and work with a group on the task they are doing while observing and collecting data this way.  

How do I know when you need help?

I will send out a sign up to all parents the week prior through the Bloomz app.  Remember that you need clearances to volunteer!

Do you use volunteers for anything else?

Of course!!! Look for sign ups throughout the year for other classroom needs! 

You are also invited to come and read and share a game or song with your child on their birthday. There are also several events throughout the year where I will again ask of your help!  Finally, if something exciting is happening like a family member is visiting from afar, we would love to meet them! 

What time are centers?

See K2 Daily Schedule! 

I hope that after reading this you will consider putting aside time to volunteer in the classroom, I would really love to have you.  Questions, comments or suggestions are always welcome!

Hope to see you all soon!