Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Tate’s teacher asked for parent volunteers to lend a helping hand if and when they were available. I’m always happy to help, especially now that Jack and Tate are in school full time. I volunteer once a week or a few times a month. I love being in the classroom with my kids watching them learn, even if it can be chaotic. Plus, when my kids know I’m helping at school on a particular day, our morning routine goes MUCH more smoothly.

Last week, I volunteered an hour of my time to help with reading, writing, and spelling. The class was split into groups, and they rotated through learning stations. At my station, I gave them a word and they had to write the word, spell the word and read a sentence with the word in it. I didn’t get to work with every student in the class, but the ones I did work with made great progress. The kids also loved to talk about whatever was on their minds; what they did the night before, how long it took to get a hair cut, and if Tate was really my son.  They were all too funny and kept me laughing.

This week, I’m helping with a pumpkin dissection. The teacher has a fun lesson planned and even prepared me with instructions and tools/supplies to bring along. I love Tate’s teacher’s hands-on style with the students. It’s a fun atmosphere and usually the kids stay interested. I can’t wait to see what kind of mess a room full of 1^st graders can make dissecting pumpkins. Although it’s messy, I’m glad to witness all the fun.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
At the beginning of the school year, I was asked to help sell ice cream at the boys’ school during lunch. My friend is in charge of organizing helpers, and she begged me to help out. The funds go to the school, which is nice. Obviously, I don’t want my kids to eat ice cream every day at lunch, so I had hesitations, but I felt  obliged to sign up because it is an easy way I can help out my kids new school.

I have volunteered two times this year, and each time has been great fun. I get to meet a lot of the teachers and see my kids and my friend’s kids enjoying their time in the cafeteria. It brings back memories of my own education, and it feels great knowing they are having as much fun as I did. The best part is that I get to eat lunch with my kids while I am there.

The kids are almost universally polite and excited to get their ice cream treat. Their eyes get huge when they look into the ice chest and pick their treat. They hand me their coins and always say thank you. It’s especially adorable when the younger students get excited about putting their coins in the money bin. Jack and Tate love when I work the ice cream booth. I’ve promised them on the days I work they may have a treat. So once a month, they are my two happiest customers.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
I have not volunteered to be a room mother in the five years my children have been attending school. This year is Tate’s last year of preschool. So, I decided to put forth more effort and team with the other room mothers. I have some time and semi-creative abilities to offer. It is something I never considered in the past because I always had a younger sibling to take care of or I somehow missed the sign up sheets that were distributed at open house. I’m thrilled to be taking on this new responsibility for Tate’s classroom and finally volunteering back to the preschool.

Last week, all room mothers met for a meeting. We discussed our duties, including how to handle events and other activities for the classroom and school functions. I will be a part of the class parties, field trips, weekly activities, fundraisers and school programs. Luckily, Tate’s preschool is very laid back and simple. For example, a light snack, basic decorations, a simple craft (made by the children themselves) and a fun goodie bag is all it takes for the children to enjoy their celebration. I’ve learned over the years that no matter the degree of “pin worthy” parties, the children will never know the difference how much time/money were spent preparing for the festivity.

I hope this new role will be a fun one. I love helping out in the classroom and this gives me an opportunity to be more involved in Tate’s school, as well as more interaction with his teacher… things I’ve missed the last few years.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Being a military wife can be tough, but I do love the support offered by our squadron spouses club.  The spouses lean on each other and help each other out whenever possible.  I do my absolute best to lend a hand because I know how much support I’ve received over the years.

I recently became a spouse club board member.  I accepted the hospitality position and am excited to help out my fellow spouses.  One of my duties includes organizing and scheduling meals for new moms.  Most of my fellow spouses live thousands of miles from their extended family.  Any help we can provide for each other really makes a difference.  I know because my husband and I received countless meals after each of our children were born.

This week, I made a meal for a family that just moved here with a new baby.  I wanted to involve Jack and Tate in the preparation. They both helped me cook a pot of white chicken chili along with some sides.  I emphasized to them how much I appreciated the extra effort and help we received when they were born. A simple gesture helping a friend can go a long way, which is something I want the boys to remember forever.  Jack and Tate were happy to deliver the meal with me and enjoyed meeting the baby’s big brother.

I was happy to get to hold an infant and help out a family like ours. My boys are learning the value of volunteering and community. I am learning new recipes. It’s a win-win for everybody.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
This week at Jack’s preschool marks their annual St. Jude Children’s Hospital fundraiser.  Three children who attended the preschool in the last decade have all received aid and care by this particular hospital.  This is a big occasion, the entire school participates in every year.  Parents are encouraged to help as much as possible.  I volunteered my time to help decorate a bulletin board, the classroom door and a wagon. The kids will be doing all kinds of activities and marching in a parade to raise money for the hospital.

The theme for Jack’s class this year is “Developing a Cure.”  We, as parents, came up with the idea of using photography tools to decorate (hence the word developing).  The wagon will be used to create a mini photo booth.  The kids are making cameras out of toilet paper roll holders and our bulletin board and classroom door is covered in film paper, negatives and other camera paraphernalia.  The children will each vote on their favorite classroom décor.

I am delighted Jack gets to learn about what this special hospital offers in order to help children who are faced with health troubles.  I explained to Jack some people get really sick and it takes them longer to improve. He asked many questions about what happens to people, why they get sick and where the hospital is located. Jack is learning how to volunteer his efforts by fundraising and participating in a great cause.  I hope he learns from this benefit about the importance of helping others and giving back to his community.