Volunteers
We do so much in the classroom, but we can't do it all. Learn to ask your parents and community members for help. Just remember-volunteers become WORK if you do not put the work in ahead of time. Organize what jobs you need to have done, put directions and supplies into file folders for volunteers to grab on their way in and be clear about your expectations. It works well if you have a 'volunteer spot' where they know to go right when they get in the classroom for their 'assignment' for the day, in case they come in while you're teaching.
Possible volunteer categories:Field trip coordinator
Art teachers (every Friday I had a 40 minute block of time for Art. I had two moms that alternated weeks and came in to teach their own art lessons during these times).
Copier/Prep: Copies papers, laminates, cuts items out, puts up displays and bulletin boards.
Math helper: Works with small groups during math time.
At home helper: Creates and helps at home.
Party Coordinator: Coordinates volunteers for the parties, collects money/food/supply donations, manages details during parties.
Reading helper: Works with small groups during reading time.