Suggestions & Tips for a Positive Volunteer Experience

Before You Start

• Meet with the teacher or staff member you will be assisting before your first volunteer session to discuss expectations, roles, and schedules.
• Ask questions if you are unclear about any aspect of your assignment or school procedures. Open communication is key.
• Familiarize yourself with our safety and security protocols (refer to the "Safety Overview for Parents/Students" document mentioned earlier).
• Get to know the school grounds:
  • Know the location and phone number of the school office.
  • Know the location of important rooms (e.g., multipurpose room, library, staff restrooms, theater). If you are uncertain, please ask the building secretary for assistance and directions.
• Determine where volunteer parking is located, if applicable.

In the Classroom

• Become familiar with classroom routines and the teacher’s management style.
• Identify the location of supplies you may need within the classroom.
• Follow instructions from the teacher carefully and consistently.
• Speak to children in a calm, respectful, and focused way to get their attention and cooperation.
• Clearly communicate what you expect of them and what the standards are for the activities they are engaged in, so they have a framework to focus on.

When Working with an Individual Student

• Let the student know that you value their thoughts, ideas, and efforts.
• Accept the student for who they are; your role is to help and support, not to change their fundamental personality.
• Be encouraging and positive. 
• Praise effort as well as successful outcomes.
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it. Lean in to learning. It's an opportunity to model lifelong learning by working out the answer together.
• Let the child know that you enjoy your time with them. Enjoy yourself!

When Working with Groups of Students

• Clearly understand from the teacher what specific tasks or learning objectives you are to work on with the group. Get specifics.
• Discuss with the teacher ahead of time what classroom management techniques are preferred and appropriate for you to use.
• Indicate to the children how you would like to be addressed (e.g., Mr./Ms. [Last Name]). 
• Ask students to share their names and make an effort (perhaps with discreet notes or name tags, if appropriate) to remember and use them.
• Encourage all students in the group, not just those who are quickest to answer or most outgoing.
• Give each student adequate time to think and answer. Don’t allow other students to interrupt or answer for them.
• Let students know that you enjoy your time with them. Your positive attitude can make an influential impact!