You may be wondering exactly what it means to be a parent volunteer in our classroom. My volunteers spend a little over an hour each morning on the classroom working one-on-one with students. Occasionally I may have them work with a small group or help with an activity in the classroom.
Every child has the opportunity to read to a parent each week, sometimes more than once depending on their need. Beginning readers typically read with a volunteer 2-3 times per week. Parents help them figure out unknown words using strategies I have shown them ahead of time that they can refer back to if needed. They also ask comprehension questions to the more fluent readers, and check to make sure they understand vocabulary and more challenging words and concepts.
Parents can also help prepare materials for me at home or do other misc. jobs as needed. I always love to have guest speakers in the classroom that can share their talents and interests with the children.
Mrs. Laudadio brought in some new critters to our classroom this week. We have quite a few caterpillars making a home here. They eat dill weed, and are getting fatter every day. One has started his pupa stage already. These caterpillars look very similar to Monarch Butterfly larvae, but they are fact another butterfly variety called an Eastern Black Swallowtail.
