FYI and FAQs
Here are some of your expectations as a volunteer:
- Be active in your volunteering, be silly, be a kid!
- Make sure you are never alone with students, there must always be a staff member nearby.
- Get to know your students' names. Ask to see them written down if that will help.
- Assist the staff members in running activities.
- Help the students make good choices and talk to them if they are upset.
- Observe/ask staff members to learn about PBIS systems and expectations at your site.
- Do not stand around. There is always something to do!
- Do not be afraid to ask for help!
- Leave your cell phone and other belongings locked in your car.
Here are the answers to some questions have come up from past volunteers:
What is my role as a volunteer?
The various after-school programs may have a different idea as to what they want their volunteers to do while at their sites. It is up to you as a volunteer to find out what your role at the site is. Most of the time it is best to just jump right in and use your instincts. Talk to the students, join them at recess, sit next to them, or help them with homework. If you really do not know what to do or how to engage with the program, ask a peer or a staff member at your site. You should never just stand around because you don't know where to help. Be the responsible adult that we know you are and problem solve!
What should I do if two students are physically fighting on the playground?
If you are involved in this type of situation, do NOT try to break up the fight by pulling the kids away from each other. Go and inform one of the hired workers of the incident and they should take care of it. There should always be an employee of the after-school programs nearby. As a volunteer, it is not your job to deal with these extreme behavioral issues. Seek help when needed.
I want to be a high school teacher. Why do I have to work with young kids?
One of the goals of the Village Project is to provide a strong foundation for our young students so they have an opportunity for a brighter future from the very beginning. Volunteering through this program is not about you, it is about helping to close the opportunity gap for these young students. Remember: these students will someday grow into the high school students in your classroom. In addition, several Secondary Education majors have decided to switch their majors to work with younger kids as a result of participating in the Village Project. You may be surprised!
What should I do if a student is making fun of me?
Do not take it personally if a student says something mean about you or calls you a name. If a student insults you, kindly remind them that doing so is not nice and that it shouldn't happen again, but do not take it to heart. Just because a kid says something does not mean it's true.
Journal Response #12
Do you have any questions for the Village Project staff before you begin your experience in the after-school programs?