Back to School time is exciting for not just kids, but their parents and teachers too!  Amidst the rush and thrill of going school shopping, meeting the teacher and heading off to that first day, consider how you may be able to help your child’s teacher at the start of the year with these 5 fun ideas:

1.  Raise Your Hand -- Whether it’s once a week as a class reader, or once a semester organizing the holiday class party – raise your hand to volunteer and help out in the classroom!  Take your time restraints and own interests into mind when signing up to volunteer, but make the effort and show your child you are engaged with their learning experience.

2.  Fulfill the Greatest Needs – Before you start a collection for pencils and paper, inventory the classroom and speak with your class teacher about what is most needed when it comes to school supplies for the entire classroom.  Perhaps book donations would better benefit the class, or unique items like a recycling bin.  

3.  Coordinate Parent Volunteers – Save the teacher time (and stress) organizing parent volunteers with free online signup sheets by VolunteerSpot.  No more clipboards and reply-all emails; instead, create an online calendar of volunteer needs, invite parents to sign up from their computer or smart phone and rely on automatic Reminders to help everyone remember their commitment!

4.  Add a Little Flavor – Connect with your teacher and see if help is needed decorating bulletin boards, doors, desks and tables.  You can create cut-outs at home with your own children so they too feel like they have contributed to the class when they see their works of art displayed. *Bonus Tip:  Teachers label everything – offer to help write names on desk tags, folders and cubby labels.

5.  Latte anyone?  A sweet surprise every now and then can make all the difference – a latte in the morning or sweet treat for the teacher’s lunchtime is a quick way to show appreciation and bring a smile to their face.