Volunteers offer wonderful support to classroom teachers. There are myriads of tasks that need to be undertaken in classrooms. Signing reading books in an out, hearing children read, working with small groups, changing readers, and doing physical tasks around the classrooms are a few of these things. Volunteers also assist on school excursions, overnight class camps and so on.

Without volunteer support, teachers would be stretched at times to almost impossible limits. Those fortunate enough to have volunteer assistance are greatly blessed.

There are some things about volunteers that classroom teachers need to consider. Firstly, volunteers must have ochre cards authorising them to work with children. Volunteers without cards mean the school is committing a breach of law.

There is a need for teachers and volunteers to know each other well. It’s very wise for a conversation to take place that establishes the boundaries under which the association of teacher and volunteer will work.

When volunteers are hearing children read or are conducting groups, it is important that they model correct speech and have a clear understanding of what they are doing. They need to be able to speak correctly and comprehend tasks being undertaken. Teachers need to ensure that volunteers have the capacity to complete tasks to which they are contributing.

Importantly teachers must ensure that volunteers do not exceed their authority when it comes to commanding or disciplining children. This can easily happen, particularly if the volunteer is older by some years then the teacher.

Discretion is an essential. Volunteers with concerns about the children should share their observation with the class teacher, not with other parents or staff. Confidentiality is paramount.

Dress is important. Volunteers need to be attired in an acceptable professional manner because they are working in classrooms with children.

If these elements and other practical needs are taken into account, the support the volunteers offer can assist classroom teachers quite immeasurably.

It’s is essential that volunteers are appreciated and this is conveyed to them from time to time. Taking volunteer support for granted is an absolute no-no. Certificates of appreciation, notes of thanks from children and staff and acceptance of them as people are strategies that help in this regard.