Are you thinking about helping in school? DO IT!

[roisin]

I've been listening to readers in school for the past 3 years, and I have loved it. For the past two years I've been working with the same class, and I said goodbye to them today as I've now got a full-time job.

I've seen them make so much progress in the past two years, and have really enjoyed discussing books and authors with them. (They are now all 8-9 yr-olds.) It's also great as a parent to be able to get a glimpse of school from the inside.

The kids were gorgeous today; they all said they'd miss me, and I'd like to think I've made a small contribution to their becoming avid readers in the future.

So if you're thinking about it, don't think, do it! It's very rewarding, and who knows in a few years' time you may no longer have the opportunity.

What a lovely thread roisin

here here roisin. If I am still part-time when dd starts school, I will be volunteering to help.

I look after the compost worms at my kids' primary school - I have to pet them, give them treats, and generally make sure they're happy. Very rewarding, although there's pressure from members of the gardening club to make them more productive in terms of compost churned out and liquid fertiliser produced. I'm planning a motivational scheme to get them to work faster.

LOL!
Did you volunteer for that tiddlypom?!

Roisin - in your school do the children have a period in the day where they are read to instead of reading themselves? I read something by Morpurgo I think it was a while back and it seemed so sensible to have a quiet period where the children listened to a story. So many parents don't read to their children and miss out so much.
When you listened to the children was it obvious which ones were read to regularly?

I will be volunteering when DS starts pre-school as long as I can do it whilst he's there. Think I'll have a busy year especially if I can get the science club going too.

I'm sure all your children (in school) will miss you and your unbridled enthusiasm for reading. You have no doubt passed on your enthusiasm to them.

Roisin thats lovely, I think I will be doing the same in few years, I eventually want to re-train to be a Primary School teacher so it would be fab experience and so very rewarding.

Yoyo - yes, they are certainly read to by the teacher in yrs 1-3, I don't know about beyond that. Daily in yrs 1-2, less frequently in yr3, but still several times a week.

I agree completely with MM - he's great isn't he? With the pressures of the National Curriculum it can be something that is easily squeezed out of a busy day.

I think being read to is vital for children; it's crucial for building up passive vocabulary. Our catchment area is very mixed, and includes many children coming from very deprived backgrounds.
As a gross generalization not a lot of reading of any sort goes on in many homes .

Roisin - no, [says proudly] I was ASKED! In recognition of my superb worm-handling skills.

Definitely one for my CV.

Roisin, thank you for this thread!

I am hoping to volunteer as a parent helper (I think they are mainly used to listen to the children read) in my son's school next year. I have become very interested in children and how they learn to read. Your thread was just the encouragement I wanted! I am looking forward to going into school already!

Best of luck with the full-time job... at least you'll get paid!!

Roisin - I work for a charity that trains volunteers to go into schools. We do CRB checks and a general childrens literacy awareness course. I'd second what you say - if you have the time, get into school and help out. Some of these children don't get read to at home, or no-one listens to them read, they don't have a bookshelf or go to the library. They often see reading just as a 'school thing' and don't connect it with even simple things like reading the paper, a bus timetable or football programme. Giving a child an interest and an ability to read is a huge gift.

I have been considering doing this but I would have to wait until both DS and DD are at school because obviously I'd have no-one to look after DD. Can't understand why people don't read to children. Yes really I know there are reasons such as not being able to read themselves ! etc but... I find that even with DD who has just turned 1 it has such a calming effect. And DS goes to sleep very happily after his story but when we are out visiting and he messes about until bedtime and then gets in the car he just can't switch off. Hope someone listens to him read at school.

How do you become involved with this, do you contact the school and volunteer or would the position be advertised somewhere like a normal job???

I have just started relief work in the local school and I love it. It is funny because it was my primary school and some of the teachers are still there. I seem to have fitted in well and have enjoyed it. My son starts primary one in August and so I am looking forward to doing a bit more then too.

just like to say that as teachers we really do appreciate all you mums who give up your time to come into class. Most teachers will value your experience and enthusiasm not to mention the extra pair of hands!
All you mums thinking about it-give it a go!