• If your students are 11 or under: The volunteering experience will probably be more meaningful if you and your students work together. In fact, most service agencies will insist on it. Most likely the organization will offer an opportunity that can be done at school and then finished on location. When approaching an organization, make sure that you have identified one that accommodates younger children.
  
  
• If your students are ages 12-14: The service agency may insist on adult supervision, whether that of a parent or teacher. Balancing your students’ desire for independence with an appropriate level of responsibility can be tricky. Ideally, the supervision becomes a helpful, enabling part of the experience, and your students walk away feeling satisfied.
  
  
• If your child is 15 or older: Many high school students get suggestions for community service opportunities from educators at school. Sometimes, students are asked to take an active role in the investigation and performance of the work, rather than relying on a parent.
  
  

Tips for a successful experience

• Go prepared with tools to keep everyone busy during the time you may have to wait. For instance, take with you crayons and paper, and have your students create something that they can leave behind, such as placemats for a soup kitchen.
  
  
• If you are going to work on-site at an organization, prepare your students for the expectations of the adults in charge. Even kids as old as 11 are well served by this kind of preparation. A plan of action, communicated before your class arrives at the agency, might cut down on any whining or complaints that could sour the experience for everybody.
  
  
• Other kinds of casual preparation may be helpful, such as having your students think about questions in advance. These icebreakers can make all the difference.
  
  

Reflection: Getting the most out of a service experience

Begin the "reflection" process before the project. Prepare your class - what do your students think the place will look like, smell like, etc? What will it be like to actually volunteer? After the project, review these initial thoughts and be sure to talk about what your students has accomplished. Reflection beforehand and afterwards adds considerable meaning to the service experience.

If you want your students to see pictures of people enjoying the benefits of his or her service, leave behind a disposable camera and a stamped, pre-addressed envelope. Make sure that someone at the agency agrees to take photos and drop the camera in the mail.