I'm soon to be a volunteer at ds2's primary and they're training me to work with dyslexic children?

[Curiousmama]

I didn't really take in what they meant as I was in a hurry when the head mentioned it. I've put my crb in and am just waiting for that to clear then I'm being trained to help dyslexic children. Has anyone else done this on a voluntary basis? I'm excited about it just a bit shocked tbh that they'd put so much trust in me. I suppose they'll see how my training goes first

ooh that sounds great! I'm hoping to be a primary teacher (am halfway through maths degree ATM) so I will hopefully get some volunteering in before graduating. good luck! :)

While it is nice for you, can't help feeling the school could be doing this as a money saving excercise....

Well money saving is on everyone's agenda these days!

Good luck Algebra

Yes am sure it'll save them money. School is voluntary aided anyway so have no worries about that. Plus will only be volunteering there half a day as starting my own business.

What a great thing to do, well done you.

Thanks for the positive posts

I also think it's great they're training you as my DSD is dyslexic, and didn't get nearly enough support from her primary school. if there had been volunteer helpers there it'd would've been great for her!

are you going to read up a bit about dyslexia before starting? I'm sure MNers could recommend some good books.

Good luck, the more classroom support for children with specific learning difficulties, the better!

Patience and positivity and not patronising are the keys IME :)

Good idea to read up on it I'll have a google.

Also have a friend with a dyslexic son plus my best friend is dyslexic but she's 48 and didn't get any help. Maybe I can even help her?

All the volunteers at our school have to have some training first. This could be in the form of a reading/phonics course or shadowing a TA, otherwise they aren't really that much use (other than laminating duties!) and can actually be qute unhelpful.

It also helps to weed out the parents who are only interested in finding out what is going on in their child's class:)
Good luck and enjoy:)

Yes I don't think I'd be much use unless I was trained. I'm not there to check out ds2 as I already know he needs help (which he gets at home and school) but I can imagine some parents do. They're the ones you see n school trips holding their dc's hand and ignoring others in their groups. Luckily few and far between though. I prefer not to be in my own dc's group tbh...much less distracting!