kindergarden???

Question

my girl is in kindergarden and I want to do lots for the class but have a baby at home and can't get a babysitter all the time, what things can I do or send with her to help the teacher and the class.
I'm crafty and I like to bake.What kinds of things can I make to liven up the classroom that the teacher can keep for future years?

Answer 1

What a great mom you are! I teach in a Montessori preschool/kindergarten and it great to get parents in who want to help.

I would first ask her teachers if there is anything that you can do. Sometimes I have a parent cuts up paper, or trace things on paper that the children will later cut.

You may see if her teacher would like you to collect things for a classroom project that they will be doing. I have had parents collect magazines, baby food jars, and toilet paper rolls for projects.

It's usually not a problem to have a baby in the classroom for me. Often times I have parents come to help when I have a big project going on. We have a fall feast and I get a parent come and help serve food for that. It really helps! Sometime when I do a big art project I have a parent come help.

You can also offer to shop for some supplies. The teacher may need some things for a class project and you may save her a trip to the store.

Find out what the classroom themes will be. If the class is studying the jungle, for example, make something for the class that goes with this theme. Nothing big, but something like a cardboard monkey or find some pictures of a jungle. You can also get some books about the jungle.

I had a parent a few years back make me an awesome gift. She drew the trunk and branches of a tree with paint on canvass. Then she had every child in the class make a "leaf" on the tree. They pressed their thumb on a green ink pad and then pressed it on a branch. They all signed their names at the bottom. The parent had the picture framed. It's been hanging in me classroom ever since. I love it!

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You are to be commended for being involved. Check with the school on the baking I know at my kids school nothing can be sent in unless it is store bought and packaged. I always make goody bags for all of the kids in the class at halloween, x-mas, etc. If you are crafty then decorate the bags up with holiday themed decor. I make a gift basket for the teacher at the same time and put in the little things like chalk, pens, thumbtacks, markers. You have a computer so make a class book on the things the children are learning, do one for each month then put the pages in a picture album and decorate it up. The next class of kids can see what they have to look forward to and your childs class can show off and be the leaders for the future. Also check with the teacher and see what suggestions she has.

Answer 3

Most teachers have so much in the classroom that it would only be a hassle to make stuff for them to save for years to come. Write a note to the teacher and ask if they have a donation list of things needed for the classroom for the year and get some things off the list. My daughter had one in her class. The info on making stuff is because my sister is a first grade teacher and has told me stories.

Answer 4

Since I work full time and my schedule isn't flexible, the teacher would send home craft stuff for me to do, like cutting out paper shapes, etc... But I think that most teachers don't mind if you bring a younger child with you- they're just greatful for the help! Give her a call and see what you can do. I'm envious! I'd love to be able to help in my kids' classes more (and they'd really love it too...)

Answer 5

At open house time, there should be a sign-up sheet for parent volunteers. That will tell you
what kind of help they need the most. As far as the baby, take him with you, as long as he's not screaming!! Make some kind of clock if you want to make something age-appropriate, thats great that you want to get involved!! Join the PTA and teachers love parents who send in healthy goodies for snack time, be careful not to send things that are highly allrgic--like peanut butter.

Answer 6

Check with the teacher. You may or may not be able to take the baby with you to class. Or maybe there is another mom in the class who has a baby who would take turns with you.

Baking may or may not be appreciated. Some schools have rules that all food items must be pre-packaged so that they have labels to read in case of kids with allergies.

Find out if the teacher has a "prize bucket" or "treasure chest" and send in little items for it like party favors, Dollar Store toys, etc.

Offer to do prep work for her at home, like cutting out stuff or putting together booklets or packets of work.

Answer 7

My suggestion is just to talk to the teacher and see if you can work something out with her or if she has any ideas. I know my daughter started kindergarten this year too and her teacher asked if each parent could bring snacks for the kids (they have a fridge in the room so they can keep things).

Answer 8

Our school doesn't alllow younger siblings either. Some moms in my kids classes made things for the holidays. Like goodie bags at Halloween or visers for the last day of school. You may be able to go in and assist at parties. We usually have 3 class moms for each class. They assist the teacher at parties and other school events.

You should ask the teacher, tell her you are available and ask if there is anything she needs.

Answer 9

You can take your baby with you to the class. Especially if you're a kangaroo mom and you baby is easily entertained when in a sling or carrier.

Id check with your teacher, see what her plans are for the year. Sometimes they need help with class plays, holiday parties... that sort of thing. Teachers like parents who can plan and produce the things for those events, and are generally willing to help you with what they need.

Answer 10

every teacher is different. maybe she needs certain supplies, or something else. before you start sending stuff - talk to teacher to determine exact needs in that classroom.. remember she is the teacher and sets up the daily lesson plans and learning activities for her/his class. if you are working with the teacher, not just sending random things, you will be enhancing your child's learn environment.