4 National Tips
We’re all busy these days, but there are a few 5-15 minute projects that can be done to support schools without leaving home. Just turn on your computer to learn what is happening in education that affects your family and community. Then make your voice count. Send out your ‘take’ on the issues. The orgnizations are listening.
1. Checkout online educational websites/connections:
(national or state) www.PTA.org
Momslike me.com
S.M.M.A.R.T.: http://smmartideas.blogspot.com
National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education: NCPIE.org
National Association for the Education of Young Children: NAEYC.org.
2. Send your friends to this website for helpful hints, to Angela Watson’s cornerstone blog, and Google ‘parent involvement in schools’ for what is happening around the country. All three can be sent directly to your email for you to read at your leisure.
3. Write to your Congressional delegates in support of school funding and other educational issues. Let them know their decisions matter to you.
4. Keep up with the latest educational trends. Google ‘common core standards’. This is an exciting national push, the direction of education starting tomorrow.
4 Local Tips
OK. You’ve taken care of voicing your views, now step-up and step-in to a school near you and volunteer one hour a week. It requires a background check, but that’s free. It’s a safeguard we should all embrace. Not certain what to do to become part of educating our kids? Start with these ideas:
1. Help in the office, on the playground or before/after school supporting students arrivals and departures amid cars and busses.
2. Help in a classroom listening to kids read or share their writing.
3. Speak to a class about an interest or hobby that relates to the specific class curriculum.
4. Become a gopher. Procure materials, museum boxes or library books for a classroom.