Questions & Answers

When would I be volunteering?  

You can volunteer as much or as little as you like. When teachers sign up for writing lessons, I share the dates and times with my volunteer team, and volunteers choose any sessions that fit their schedules. Most lessons last about one hour during the school day. When multiple teachers at the same school participate, they usually schedule lessons on the same day, so we often teach two or three lessons in one day. Of course, you can choose the times that work best for you. In past years, my second graders began in November, and my first graders began in January or February. This year, I hope to condense the lesson schedule by focusing on a few classes at a time and staggering the sales, rather than holding most of them at the end of the school year. Most sales take place in the evenings, and I ask for help with setup, cashier duties, and cleanup at these events.

What would I be doing during the volunteer time? 

A typical lesson begins with me introducing the skill of the day and modeling what the students will be doing.  Next, we break into small groups (usually 4 or 5 students) to complete the work.  As a volunteer, you would support a small group of young writers as they move through each step of the process. Together, you will help them brainstorm topics, draft their stories, share feedback, make revisions, edit their work, create illustrations, design titles and covers, and complete an About the Author page.  I send out lesson plans and suggestions by email a few days ahead of each lesson.  

Volunteer Calendar 

Click HERE for a link to the Volunteer Calendar.  Attached is a Google Doc calendar on which you may sign up to volunteer.  The times and locations are listed on the calendar with red spaces available for names.  Just add your name to any spot in which you could help.  If you would rather email me to let me know, I can add your name to the calendar.  (This calendar will be updated when the new school year begins.)