Working Parent FAQ

posted by Kate

03.27.09

What the heck should I do for an Activity?

By Kate Sanfilippo

“Please remember when you are a working parent that the teachers need you to post your activity or snack 2 weeks in advance of the work day.” We’ve been hearing this at least once a week, and maybe we, as parents, need some help in this area. With that in mind, I offer the following FAQ:

Q: Where do I sign up for an activity or snack?

A: Right on the sign-up calendar, on the line below your name. A very brief description will do, i.e. “play outside” or “make kites” or “clay table”. Or, in the case of snacks, “muffins” or “berries”.

Q: Then I just show up that day?

A: Not quite. We ask that a week or so before your working day, you briefly get with the lead teacher for your work week and check in. The teachers try to get with you, too, but if both sides try, you’ll be sure to connect. Remind the teacher of your plans. The teachers will often plan other activities around parent ideas, and this is a great way to get the whole team on the same page.

For example, once I did a craft where the kids colored their favorite kinds of ice cream, and made up new flavors. Mrs. Lori set up an ice cream stand that same day, so the kids “sold” the ice cream they had colored back and forth all morning. Another mom had planned to put on a puppet show, so the teachers made a big deal of the kids going to the show, and needing tickets, etc.

Q: Help! How do I decide on an Activity?

A: Remember, this is a play-based and child-driven environment. Your activity doesn’t need to be anything fancy, and will hopefully be something you enjoy. I’ve included a list of ideas for springtime here to help jog your imagination. Or ask the teachers for an idea—they’re full of them! Or ask another parent, or go into the supply closet and pray for inspiration, or check out the idea shelf in the hallway…

As for me, I try to remember the stuff I liked as a kid. Playing doctor with the dolls, playing restaurant, dress-up, painting, running races, dancing… one of my most successful working days was when it was cold out and I brought in a CD of kids music, and we just danced around.

And remember: the weather and the kids could make you ignore your planned activity anyway! That’s the way the Co-op bounces….

Have more questions about being a working parent? Please reply to this post, and we'll be happy to answer them!

Filed under Volunteer, School, Curriculum