I’ve been super blessed because in all the years I’ve been teaching, I’ve had a full time assistant teacher. I also have many parents who want to volunteer to help with things in the classroom. As a type A person who’d just rather do things herself, it was sometimes hard to loosen the reigns and let others help me. Once I learned how I could best utilize my assistant teacher and parent volunteers, I felt more productive, more organized and I could focus on things that really mattered in my classroom.
In order to utilize these helpers, you need to first be very organized. Some ways I stay organized are making lists, staring important things, and checking the calendar so I can plan ahead.
9 Ways to Utilize an Assistant Teacher or Parent Volunteers
1. Copying
Making copies can be so time consuming. If your school is like mine, there’s always a wait at the copier and sometimes the machine can’t get through a class set without jamming. Use your assistant teacher and parent volunteers to copy. I just write how many and how I want it (stapled, back and front, etc.) on a post it and put it on my assistant teacher’s list of things to do. I’ve also seen some people have a copy bin and as parent volunteers come help, they can grab the entire bin and get to work without any explanation.
2. Prepping Materials
When I look ahead on my calendar or plan for the next week, I make note of what materials will need to be prepped. This can be anything from art materials, science, math, really anything! When I figure out what I’ll need prepped, I write down how I’d like it prepped and when I need it by so my assistant teacher (or parent volunteers) can get it done before I need it. This has been super helpful because I can focus on the students and the lessons I am currently teaching. I also can use my preps for other activities like planning new, engaging lessons or writing emails, instead of prepping materials.
3. Teaching Specialties
My assistant teacher teaches handwriting to my students. These are low key lessons and is something that she can easily do. This gives me an extra prep and also gives me time to pull any students I may need to work with one on one.
At my school, we use an art program called Art in Action. This program is strictly run by the parents. They grab the lesson plan book in the beginning of the year, prep all art materials and get other parent volunteers to help during the actual lessons. If you haven’t heard of this program, you need to check it out. It’s truly amazing the art that my kindergarteners do!
4. Leading Centers
Each week, I invite parents to sign up to volunteer to lead a math game during our math centers. Students love when their parents come in and they get to show them the classroom and meet all their classmates. Parents also enjoy coming in and having a responsibility where they can work with the kids and not just behind the scenes.
I also use my assistant teacher to lead centers. For example, she meets with a group when we do guided reading. This is super beneficial to my students because there are two groups meeting with a teacher, not just one.
5. Sharpening Pencils
I don’t know about you but sharpening pencils is one of my least favorite activities. I know it’s necessary but it’s such a time waster. Whenever I sharpen pencils, all I think about is the many other things I could be doing! I have my assistant teacher do this job so I can focus on those many other things on my list.
6. Putting Up Bulletin Boards
I put this on the list of ways to utilize your assistant teacher or parent volunteers however, I have tried and I cannot let this go. Bulletin boards are my guilty pleasure and there is nothing I love more than a fresh display. If you are someone who isn’t particular about your bulletin boards then have your assistant teacher or parent volunteers do it!
7. Stuffing Friday Folders
If you send home folders with work or important information, you need to let your assistant or parent volunteers stuff them for you! Throughout the week, my assistant teacher takes any work that is graded (or stared – it’s kindergarten!) and files it by student. Then, once Friday comes, she grabs the papers from the file and puts it inside the student’s folder. This is super helpful because I don’t even have to think about this job. She completes it all on her own and students always go home with their work and important information each week.
8. Working One on One with a Student
Assistant teachers and parent volunteers are perfect for pulling and working with students one on one. You can have them test students on sight words, practice reading, or even guide a student who needs extra help on a worksheet.
9. Read Alouds
Sometimes I’ll utilize my assistant teacher by having her do a read aloud. This is helpful so I can work with a student one on one. This would also work with parent volunteers. It’s important for students to hear other voices read besides yours. Using your assistant teacher or parent volunteers for read alouds is a win-win!
Are you one of the lucky teachers who has an assistant teacher? Or do you have parent volunteers help out in your classroom? Share how you utilize your volunteers by commenting below!
