In a perfect world all parents would have the time and temperament to volunteer in their child’s classroom. And in that same perfect world all teachers would be comfortable and creative enough to accept those parents into their classrooms and have worthwhile activities for them to do.

Of course we do not live in a prefect world. So let’s be realistic… Not all parents are eager to go into their child’s classroom and hang out with 25 nine –year olds for an hour. And… Not all teachers are comfortable with even a few parents in the classroom for an hour or so. Neither side, of course, is right or wrong; it’s just reality.

The research is clear: students whose parents volunteer with the school perform better academically and achieve better on standardized tests. But how can parents that work 9-5 jobs help their child receive the academic boost volunteering provides?

Glad you asked! Engage the Brain gathered some ideas from the Internet to provide you, the working parent, with volunteer suggestions. It is important to reflect on your skill set. Pick activities that you enjoy doing – or at least can tolerate. Remember to keep your eye on the prize – the academic boost. If your child’s teacher has not sent out a “Volunteering Ideas” form, it is perfectly acceptable to suggest one of these activities. Most teachers will be extremely grateful.

Here are some suggestions:

Donate items to the class
White board markers, sandwich baggies of all sizes, tissues, and extra snacks for students who forget/can’t afford them are a few suggestions.

Work with students before school/work
Are you comfortable working with children? Mentoring and or working with a small group of students on reading skills or math facts before you go to work in the morning, before school starts, would be widely accepted by teachers.

Skype with the class from your office
You could read a story to the class via Skype. Not only will the students enjoy a story, they will see technology used for reasons other than gaming.

Work on the teacher’s website
If your child’s teacher has a website, chances are she does not have the time to regularly update it. The teacher could email you weekly classroom updates that you could post.

Create Bulletin Boards
Most teachers dread creating bulletin boards. Depending on the classroom and hallway outside the room, a teacher could have as many five bulletin boards that need ideas. Offering to design, prepare and put up a bulletin board would be welcomed by most teachers. This can be done early in the morning before you go to work, or late afternoon on your way home from work.

Research science and social studies topics
Even in elementary school students study science topics and history. Veteran teachers who know their subject material would welcome bringing fresh and engaging information to their instruction. Less experienced educators would appreciate the additional information to supplement the textbook lessons.

Prepare instructional materials
Teachers are constantly creating materials for instruction, especially at the elementary level. Cutting out laminated materials, putting together file folder activities, writing/typing learning scales for display in the classroom are just a few suggestions. Ask the teacher his needs, and you will receive plenty of materials to prepare.

Party coordinator
Special events and holidays can be stressful times for teachers. Offering to coordinate these events would be welcome by most educators. Organizing which parents will be in the classroom for a party, delegating which parents are bringing which items is a huge responsibility that most teachers would welcome assistance with.

Conclusion
The research is clear – children with parents who are involved in their education perform better in school. However, not every parent has the luxury of time or even the desire to volunteer in the classroom and handle many of the traditional duties. Fortunately, you can still make an impact on your child through volunteering to help the teacher from outside the classroom. Ask your child’s teacher how you can best help her. If she does not bring up one of these ideas, suggest one.

There are many reasons you ought volunteer in your kid’s school. Perhaps the biggest one is the child you drop off at the front door of the school each morning.