Dmmetler Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Since my DD was in parochial school K this year, I've been volunteering as a math tutor at a local charter school. We had our final party today, and I told the coordinator that I wouldn't be able to tutor next year since I'd be homeschooling my DD. She suggested that I bring my DD along-that DD could just "help" with one of the tutoring groups at her level (there are at least a half dozen going on during the time I'm there), and that she'd probably enjoy the group activities. One of the other tutors pointed out that she always can use someone to read out loud to her Kindergarten students or play games with them, and she'd be glad to have DD help her if my math level wasn't right for her. And you know, I'm wondering if it would work. DD will be a 1st grader next year, and would probably benefit from the math facts games as much as my 3rd grade remedial math students would, and she LOVES reading to other kids-in fact, that's been what her K teacher has had her do quite a bit this year. Furthermore, we tutor in the school library, so even if she didn't want to be part of a group, I'd imagine she could keep herself busy reading, playing games on a computer, or doing HER schoolwork. Another thought is that DD really doesn't have a lot of contact with the more urban side of our community. We live in a suburb, and our church, homeschool group, her dance class, music class, and so on all are pretty WASPy-or, at minimum, middle class, educated professional parents, and probably some variety of Christian. This would be a very different population from what she's used to, but also still really great kids. Do you think it would actually be reasonable to take my elementary school aged homeschooled child into a charter elementary school, as a volunteer? Can you think of any drawbacks to doing so? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allearia Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 If they have invited you I don't see any reason not to. If you think she would be well-behaved and not disruptive, it sounds like a great way to go! They probably really need volunteers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynn in WI Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Sounds like a great opportunity! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I've wanted to do something like this but ran into coordinators who would not allow it. I think it sounds great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
May Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 Sounds like a win-win situation. She will be of great help to others and you are teaching her how to give of herself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 I also think it would be great. I would love it if I had such a opportunity for my youngest here. But we don't have charter schools in my county. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secular_mom Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 Do you do this everyday? How much time do you spend there tutoring? I wouldn't do it every day, especially not all day everyday. But Once a week would be doable. I wouldn't want my child's homeschool experience to be sitting and entertaining herself all week while mommy teaches other children, KWIM? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 I would definitely go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 I tutor twice a week for 2 hours at a time, and set my own schedule-the only real limitation is that there are certain times of the school day where I can't pull the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 My kids come along to my classes, and help show the students how to play the phonics games. They also pass out pencils and papers. When my daughter is a bit taller, she will help out with students younger than her. (She looks about 6.) I taught a class in Arkansas and have some kids I am working with now here. It works out fine, they like helping and meeting the kids. Here, it is a long drive, sometimes bad traffic, so since it is only once a week for 2 months, my husband takes off work early to watch them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 If they have invited you I don't see any reason not to. If you think she would be well-behaved and not disruptive, it sounds like a great way to go! They probably really need volunteers. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 What an awesome opportunity! I don't see any reason not to give it a go, and if it's not something that works, you can give them notice and do at home homeschooling. Is your daughter okay with sharing you with other kids? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AHASRADA Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 Sounds wonderful! I don't know if you would want to put her on the spot right away as a "volunteer", but tagging along, momma's helper, whatever. Once she gets her bearings she can feel free to help where she feels comfortable, or participate as a student if she wants. Sounds like a great enrichment activity! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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