Classroom-Specific Rules
Each site, staff member, and classroom will have some rules that vary slightly, or maybe drastically. It is your responsibility to ask the staff member in the classroom you are working with about any classroom-specific rules.
On your first day of volunteering, take a few minutes to get to know the staff members at your site. You may be working closely with just one classroom, or you may float around to several classrooms. It is important to make connections with the staff members from day one so you feel comfortable in your volunteering environment and can ask for help if necessary.
In the past, students have come across some minor issues when it comes to classroom-specific rules. You can prevent problems from arising if you just take the time to ask for help if you are unsure about something.
Some questions you may have for the site staff members include:
- Can the students sharpen their pencils during homework time? What is the procedure for doing so?
- What do the students do if they need to go to the bathroom or get a drink?
- How does meal time work? Are they dismissed by grade? How does meal clean-up work?
- What behaviors are not appropriate for recess? Can students wrestle? What are the rules on the teeter-totter and other climbable equipment?
- Does your site use a token economy system? If so, am I able to hand out tokens when I see positive behaviors?
- What are the students allowed to play on the computer? Are there any websites you suggest? How can I help them log in to their computers if necessary?
- Am I allowed to let students back into the building during recess if they need a drink or forgot something?
Address these questions either during your first week or as they arise. It is okay to ask for help, so do not hesitate. The staff members are happy to show you how their programs run.
Journal Response #11: How do you plan to have a positive relationship with the staff members at your site?