Discovery is a Saturday morning tutoring program that offers enrichment activities for elementary school students in an economically disadvantaged community. Volunteers work with Pre-K through 5th grade students in a group setting on educational activities that complement what the students are learning in school.
The program is designed with flexibility in mind. For our regular volunteers, no long term commitment is necessary; you can simply attend when your schedule allows. Dedicated volunteer grade captains plan the activities and provide the materials, so all you have to do is show up ready to help the children learn!
Serving as a grade captain is a bigger commitment. Grade captains are our leadership team, the backbone of the program and the key to its success! If you are interested, please click here.
What Does It Mean To Volunteer As A Discovery Tutor For Hands On Atlanta?
Without volunteers, there would be no Discovery Program. Volunteers personally work with students to promote education, self-esteem, and self and community learning. Volunteers should inspire the children to work hard and have fun during sessions by managing a structured yet comfortable environment for the students to grow. Volunteers should also help recruit other Discovery volunteers by publicizing and inviting friends, family co-workers, and community organization members to attend sessions.
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Assist School and Grade Captains in managing students
- Work with assigned students on curriculum supplied by the Grade Captain
- Encourage family and friends to volunteer
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Encourage and praise the students on their work
Volunteer Checklist
Before You Arrive -
- Sign up in advanced on the Hands On Atlanta website to reserve your spot
- Invite friends, family, and co-workers to attend Discovery with you
- Find driving directions to the school to ensure that you arrive on time
- Call School Captain or Discovery Program Coordinator, Laura Cleare, with any concerns or questions
- For volunteers 18 and under, please contact Andrea Thomas (discovery@HandsOnAtlanta.org or call 404.979.2800)
At Discovery -
- Arrive by 9:45 AM
- Sign in and put on a name tag
- ***Please be careful to write as legibly as possible -- this is how we track volunteer hours
- If you have not attended a Hands On Atlanta Volunteer Orientation, please fill out a volunteer form (forms are also attached at the bottom of this webpage)
- Meet with School & Grade Captains to find out the agenda and structure for the day
- Choose the grade you will be working with and either sign in or sit at that table, depending on the school
- Introduce yourself to the students and work with your group the entire session
- Stay the entire session; leaving early is disruptive to the students
- Engage students until announcements at 10 AM
- Lead students through Grade Captain's lesson plans
- Escort students to and from classroom when they need to visit the restroom
- Be firm and consistent with students -- enforce your expectations and standards of behavior
- Ensure that the classroom is kept clean and tidy, assist in cleaning up and encourage students to help
- Remind students and other volunteers about attending the next sessions
- HAVE FUN!!
Things to Remember -
- Do not take students off school property except for approved field trips
- Do not bring special gifts or treats for your students (unless you bring enough for everyone)
- Always enforce School and Grade Captains' rules
- Immediately report any accidents/emergencies to a Grade or School Captain
- If you suspect a child is sick or may be the victim of abuse, provide details confidentially to a Grade or School Captain who will follow up with Hands On Atlanta (HOA will discuss it with the appropriate officials)
- Do not make promises that you cannot keep with the children; if you cannot attend a session, be truthful to your students
Afterwards -
- Please provide feedback to School and Grade Captains on any challenges, comments, success stories, or suggestions for the program; your feedback is crucial to the improvement of this program
- Publicize Discovery to others and invite them to attend the next session!
 Start Volunteering
To start searching for a Discovery Program and sign up for a volunteer opportunity, please visit the Hands on Atlanta Citizen Magazine. To attend a Hands On Atlanta volunteer orientation, you many sign up online and click on the link for Orientation Courses. For more information, email discovery@handsonatlanta.org . |
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Start Volunteering