Myth # 1. Parents who work are not able to volunteer in the classroom.

Certainly a parent who works through school hours may have a more difficult time getting into the classroom than a parent who has some school hours free. But with a little encouragement from you, perhaps they can trade lunch hour times, or take an occasional 1/2 day off. You may need  to rearrange the schedule for the day to use the parent in a valuable way. Even if it is impossible for a parent to come in to school, they can volunteer outside of the school day. When you discover individual skills and interests, creative solutions will begin to emerge.  For example, a parent skilled at woodwork can cut and predrill birdhouse projects, or build a bookcase for the room. An artistic parent may want to make signs, posters, or bulletin board pieces.Think about tasks that are time-suckers for you and consider if there is a way a parent could help either in or out of school.

Myth # 2. Parents who want to volunteer will speak up.
When our daughter joined a mite hockey team, the first introduction to the coaches we received was a listing of their qualifications including former experience in the National Hockey League. My husband, who had experience playing hockey in high school, and college club, as well as his own years coaching felt they had things under control and showed up as a spectator all year to cheer our daughter on.  At the end of the year party parents were invited to join the kids on the ice as a laugh.  When the coaches discovered that my husband could skate they began to question him and even confronted him in a friendly manner about why he hadn't helped out all year. The truth is that they had never asked, and never once indicated that they would like any assistance. Why would he have stepped up in this situation without an offer to do so? He would have happily participated in practice with his daughter.
Don't underestimate the parents! You never know what valuable skills and resources they could offer if you ask.

Myth # 3. The main goal of parent volunteers is to get some help for the teacher.
Parent volunteers can be wonderful helpers, but a huge reason to encourage parent involvement is the impact it can have on a student. A number of studies have shown that parent involvement increases student achievement. Therefore, what the parent does for you is less important than what you do for the parent and child.  Looking at it from this angle may help you discover new ways to include parents.


Myth Busters
Invite Parent Involvement