Read to your child's class

Lane attends preschool Thursday and Friday mornings. She LOVES it. In fact, she yells at me the other three week days because she is at home with me. Quite a different reaction from the boys who have never really warmed up to the idea of school. I'm glad but somewhat sad that she has grown up so quickly.
Thursday mornings I go to the school and volunteer in Alex's classroom. He isn't testing well. In fact, the school didn't think he knew his colors or shapes because he won't tell his teacher. He's known those things since he was 2 years old. ~sigh~ So I'm there to see if I can help in the room and with Alex. It's good to see how Alex behaves in the class room, and perhaps even an eye opener.
I also go to his room with all three children one evening after school. We are hoping to figure out why he isn't testing well.
No answers yet but we're working on it. Thank goodness for wonderful teachers who care about their student's success. I am grateful for his teacher this year.
I went to the school on Monday but when I got to the room, the teacher told me that she had to go to Urgent Care right after school so we weren't able to meet to help Alex. Instead, she pulled me into the room to read to the students since I was there any way.

I don't know why but I have always been intimated by reading to a class. I have never volunteered to read to a class. I didn't mind reading to my class as a Pre-K teacher but I think having the professional teacher there makes it scarier.
When I didn't have a chance to think about it, I didn't have time to get anxious. I sat down and read a short book to the class. It wasn't bad. In fact, it was downright enjoyable to have 17 little faces watching me read. I didn't have the responsibility of the class, just the fun.
Take a few minutes and volunteer in your child's room. I guarantee, you'll love it too.

Volunteer

I think it's important to give back to the community and to teach children the importance of volunteering It shows children how to give to other people, how to be selfless, thankful and generous It can be difficult to find ways to volunteer with children
When I only had one child, it was easier to do dog rescue work with him. Now it would be overwhelming to have foster dogs or transport dogs with three young children We do what we can with the kids but with their special needs, it compounds the problem of finding ways to volunteer I'm sure it will get easier as they get older and they are able to do more independently.
One volunteer activity we do together involves going to the nursing home. The residents seem to enjoy our visits. This last Monday we painted pots and planted marigold seeds. It was a messy project but both Alex and Lane had a great time the marigolds are actually growing already!
If you're reading this, I challenge you to find a volunteer experience and stick to it You won't regret it We've been going to the nursing home for over a year and a half and truly enjoy our time there

Nursing Home Visits

When Gabriel was an infant, we attended a monthly play date at a nursing home. Later, when we lived in Miami, I asked the organizer of our playgroup if I could contact nursing homes to arrange something similar. Since there are a lot of nursing homes in Florida, I thought it would be an easy event to arrange. She told me that no one would attend so I shouldn't waste my time.
I have been an organizer of a playgroup here in Iowa for two years. In October, I finally contacted an activity director at a local nursing home. I wasn't sure if other families in the play group would want to go with me or if the activity director would want a bunch of babies and preschoolers to visit the nursing home. I was nervous when I talked to her!
The playgroup recently went to its 4th event at the nursing home. I have also taken my children aside from the playgroup. I leave with warm fuzzies every time. I wish I had done this a long time ago!
In my own small way, I feel like I'm helping someone. Maybe I am brightening their day when I bring the kids in? I hope so because they are giving me back a lot in return.
My mother and sister have been working in nursing homes for years. One time I said, "your job is gross.," to my sister. I think I offended her and didn't get the opportunity to explain what I meant. Sometimes words jump out of my mouth and I wish I could catch them and rearrange them.
What I meant to say was... I admire what you do. I am happy you are someone who chose to help people, especially people who seem to be forgotten in our society. I don't think I could do it because dealing with death is difficult for me. (let alone feces)
If you're thinking about making a difference, even if it seems small, do it. You won't regret it.