Parents asked to come in and do an activity

[Allimaskingforisalittlerespect]

Received a letter today from dds school, asking parents if they’d like to schedule a time to do an activity for the class next week as part of an emphasis on family. Natural reaction was ‘God no’ but now I think about it, I think Dd would enjoy it and be proud of us, but what sort of activity does it generally mean?
Dd is 5

Go. Your son wants you there.

Why wouldn’t you want to go and support your child with his education and show he is important to you? Lot of people won’t be able to go, especially at short notice but that’s different to not wanting to.

It won’t be anything complicated, maybe craft or reading with your child.

@RedHelenB She doesn’t actually know about it, I was just reading the letter. It says if parents want to, they can come in and do an activity with the kids and to schedule it, but I’m wondering what kind of activities? Any ideas?

@Therageisreal I do! Im
saying what kind of activities? This isn’t a day all parents go, we need to organise a time and implement an activity for the class, I’m guessing most parents won’t book a slot

It’ll probably be a craft activity based on what the children are learning in class. You might be surprised, lots of parents used to go when mine were in primary and if they were working some would send a grandparent in their place.

Do they definitely want you to come up with your own activity rather than help out with something they have planned?

We had something similar. People did reading a favourite story, making cards with hand print trees, one dad who is a musician played some songs and did clapping games, one mum who is a doctor did a talk about her work and brought her stethoscope in for them to have a go with. Think someone else did something about throwing beanbags in a bucket which sounded a bit rubbish.

You could always tell the teacher you'd like to do it and ask for pointers. You won't regret it, I have such lovely memories of the odd time I got to go in for trips etc. So nice to see what it's all like at school.

Every single parent makes it to our kids things. Ones who work will always send 1 parent if they can't make it. I'm surprised you seem to think no other parents will bother going 😅

I'm unclear whether they're asking you to join in with an activity the teacher has organised, or if you're supposed to organise an activity yourself?! It can't be the second, surely, they'd need to risk assess it and all sorts, it would be a nightmare.

I think the OP means that she has to think of the activity and lead it, different kettle of fish if so...

Ask the teacher. Either it's the first time they've done it and are trying something new - in which case you're all in the same boat or they'll have done it before and they'll be able to tell you how it usually goes.

But they will have some idea of how they're expecting it to run and won't mind telling you.

@mmmmmchocolate We have to come up with the activity/choose it and then take it to the teacher to see if it’s possible, we have to carry out the activity, but have no ideas! Was wondering whether to ask another mum friend in the class to do it with me 🤔 maybe we could decorate cupcakes or do something arty

To add, if it's just joining in an activity then of course you should go!

My DS's primary did this type of thing and I did go in - but the activity wasn't of my choosing. It was something they would be doing anyway. You seem to be saying you have to instigate the activity?

What do you do for a living? Could it be something about that? Like if you're a nurse explain how you help people and then get the kids to check each others pulses.

If you're self employed talk about the importance of maths and then give them some sums!

Taking up with a friend sounds good!

I would imagine they mean an art & craft or baking type activity. I used to volunteer once a month when mine were in reception class - I organised and took in things like biscuit icing and decorating, making slime, greeting cards etc.

@TokyoSushi Yes exactly that! If it was just popping in to something arranged, I wouldn’t think twice. I’m guessing many won’t do

X posted with OPs update.

Oh lordy. That's a different kettle of fish!

I'd be very surprised of they're expecting parents to come up with the idea themselves.

As much as anything, they'll want to know it's appropriate and suitable. It would be an absolute mine field otherwise!

@GeckoFeet I’m a teacher 😂

That seems a lot to ask of non teaching parents? How can they consider health and safety, inclusivity, SEN etc?
To come up with and lead an activity. That's a huge ask to me.

How about planting grass seeds in pop socks?

Like this.

That's quite concerning actually!

My school wouldn't give parents that kind of free rein! Your school must have very different parents to mine! 😅

I think it’s just something casual
and fun, i‘m assuming some craft, whilst other teacher & assistant there, not planning a huge thing

Wooden spoon puppets?