5 Easy Ways to Help Support your Child’s Teacher

With the new school year starting, chances are, your child’s teacher has already asked you for help – whether it be in the form of snacks or cleaning items, perhaps even paper or your time.

When our kids were in school, the requests were sent home almost every other week throughout the school year, right up until the end.  Helping your child’s teacher should be something all of us can do. You don’t have to be in the classroom to help (after all, it is  hard especially if you work!) – you can help through other means too!

Here are FIVE ways you can lend a helping hand to your child’s teacher to ensure they have the support they need to help your son or daughter.

Take Advantage of FREE or Cheap Paper Deals

I think this is the easiest way to show your support!  Almost every week we have Paper Deals at Staples… take advantage of them!

You can often score a ream of paper for $.01 or an entire case for $9.99 {after rebate}  — of course, you need to have the money up front (and wait for the rebate!) but that’s a fair exchange for getting a steal on paper!

In most cases, the limit on the rebate for the case is “2” – so up to 20 free reams of paper.  Drop off at your local school office for that teacher or, for the school as a whole and you will help out all of those teachers that would normally have to pay for their own paper.

Offer to Volunteer

Many schools with Kinder or 1st grade students look for parents to step in and do 45 minute art classes, or a small mini art project. Try to volunteer if at all possible.   The teachers will appreciate the mini break, and the kids will enjoy seeing a fresh new face (while also getting to make a neat art project!)

Likewise, offer to help the teacher during the school week – whether it be for making copies, grading papers or even cleaning up the classroom – in many cases, the teacher can even give you work to do at home if you are unable to make it to the school to volunteer time.  I was rarely able to come to the classroom but was always available to take work to grade here at home or, with enough notice, offer to help with field trips.

Be a Reading Buddy

If you have time during the school day each week, offer the chance to come in and read each week to the kids. Be animated, and ask you read, ask them questions. Check with your school to determine if they have any special requirements (ie. fingerprint clearance card) – and if so, take a few minutes to get that done at your local police station so you can turn it in as requested.

Some schools may have a schedule of parent helpers that they keep through the school year and can put you down as a regular volunteer, while others may have a designated staf

Use your Language Speaking Skills

If you are bilingual, you could be a tremendous asset for some of those students who need extra attention with lessons or one-on-one time. 

Let the teacher know you are open to volunteering or helping out on an as needed basis, or weekly as needed.  Depending on your school, you may be able to offer limited help without a fingerprint clearance card.

Bring Inexpensive Snacks & Supplies

Teachers usually always keep inexpensive snacks in the classroom ~ but they run out so fast!  Every time you visit Costco, pick up an extra box of snacks that you can carry in to the school and drop off. If you make a Costco trip weekly, then try for a box every other week and then drop off at the school next time you pick up your kids.

Likewise it is just as important to bring supplies too! Amazon usually always has a deal on Kleenex through the school year that will allow you to get 15-20 boxes for less than $1 each. You can have it sent directly to the school to that specific teacher or sent to your home so you can bring in.

Teachers will love the opportunity to stock up their closet with anything and everything that can help their students.