Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Daycare volunteering.

Since today is surgery day, I thought I would distract myself by volunteering in my kids' classrooms at daycare. It was actually fun. Who knew reading books to groups of children would be so satisfying?

I don't know if I was a pain in the ass for the teachers or they enjoyed it, but I sure did. I spent a bit over an hour in Allie's room and read and sat with them over lunch and then moved to Ella's room and did the same thing, since their lunch time is scheduled later. I also used some award stickers (given to me by one of the teachers earlier) to 'bribe' all the kids into eating their broccoli. I was cheering on everyone to eat their broccoli so they can get this stupid sticker, declaring it the "broccoli eating award". Boy oh boy, those kids ate it up! Literally and figuratively.

Except for one kid actually, one kid in each room just refused. I felt bad they were sitting there without a sticker. I tried so hard to just get a ~bite~ in there so they could have one, but they wouldn't budge. Oh well, they were old enough to understand it was their decision.

My point here is - have you ever volunteered in your kid's classroom in their early years?

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good luck on surgery today. as for spending time in the kids classroom, I do so every so often and it really makes them feel like the king or the queen of the world. who would have thought we as parents hold so much power
jo (webmd)

Kerry said...

I used to be a teacher and the kids always LOVED when their parent's volunteered in the room. I also enjoyed having an extra hand, especially with projects.

Not being able to volunteer in the kids classes when they go to school is going to be tough. I really want to be able to participate in classroom activities with them, but I know I won't be able to, since when they start school, I am going back to teaching.

Sarah said...

Sometimes I volunteer at my house. *giggles*

Once Andrew gets to be preschool age, I'd love to volunteer. Unfortunately, my workplace isn't that flexible. Maybe DH would volunteer though...hmmm (part of me hopes that maybe someday he'll get a job).

Carrie Ann said...

We have to volunteer once a month in Ricky's preschool class and we enjoy it. Every time I do it, I feel good but feel like I could sleep for a month - it's so fricking exhausting.

Good luck today!!

Robin said...

I would LOVE to volunteer in my daughter's classroom but since I am a teacher I'm always in school when she is and out of school when she's out. So Daddy goes to all of the cool school stuff and I am so jealous. The worst part is that he doesn't do a good job of telling me about his experiences. In typical man style, he forgets all of the details and I have to pump him for info. :( Oh well...

Ali said...

Our preschool is a parent participation one where we work in the classroom 2-3 days a month and provide 2 snacks a semester. Class is only from 9-12 and only 24 kids, so it's not bad at all, very enjoyable. You really get to see the kids personalities coming through. And on plenty of occasions I've had to hold back a chuckle or two when they say certain things. You really can tell what goes on at home by some of the things kids say!

Morgan Owens said...

No, Mason is too young still but it is something I would do. I think that was wonderful of you! Honestly, I so can't picture you sitting in a rocker reading to kids lol! For some reason when I picture you all I see is you dashing across a room on roller skates LMAO!!

Beautiful Mess said...

It's fun to volunteer, I enjoyed doing it in Nae's classes. I haven't done it in Zilla's class yet, because I have a feeling he'll have a "I want my mommy" meltdown.
Thinking about you and sending you a hug.

Molly said...

I'm not sure if I'd ever be able to because, like Kerry, I'll be back at work once my kids are in preschool. Of course the older boy won't be allowed to go to preschool until he is at least 4, due to his medical issues. But if I do get a day off from school and their class is still in session, I'd probably plan to volunteer. Many kids love it when their parents show up at school. I didn't when I was a kid, because I was bad and I was embarrassed.

Kristin said...

Not at the daycare/preschool stage but from kindergarten on I volunteer.

areyoukiddingme said...

I had such a time getting my girl used to being left at daycare. I have wanted to go to some of their parties, but I know she'd want to leave with me when I had to go back to work. So I stay away.

Sara said...

as much as the school will let me! another reason why I love being home during the day, so I can be available. :) hope you're feeling well after the surgery!

Artblog said...

I did when expecting Dan but since I haven't got anyone to look after him so I cant any longer, miss it. How did you manage with Karl?