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Preparation

Orientation for the older volunteer begins with a description of the program and an overview of their tasks. Use the job description as a basis for the discussion so they can ask questions as you review the components of the position. Take time to emphasize the benefits of the program for older volunteers as well as youth.

A tour of the program setting is desirable. If possible, introductions to other teachers/professors, chairs, or principals is also helpful as well as a review of the topics to be covered in the preparation sessions is also suggested.

It is helpful if the students have the opportunity to get acquainted with the older volunteers during the orientation. A simple welcoming event can be an effective beginning.

Suggested Orientation Session

1. Description of Job
   • Overview of responsibilities
   • Overview of the course or curriculum
     
2. Tour of Classroom and Facility
   • Desk or Space for volunteer
   • Meet key people
     
3. Discuss School/University/College Policies and Rules
   • Dress
   • School calendar
   • Parking
   • Smoking
   • Emergency procedures
   • Absences
   • Lunch/coffee pot
   • Confidentiality
   • The Educational System
     
4. Overview of working with students

   It is also helpful to discuss the characteristics of the students. An opportunity for classroom observation is one way to accomplish this or give them the opportunity to review the interaction with the students. Allow time to answer the volunteer's questions and address their concerns. Be very specific about your expectations. Encourage the volunteers to voice their expectations.

   • Strategies for working with students:

     • Accepting students as they are.
     • Encourage to be independent
     • Help students "talk out" problems
     • Use your sense of humor
     • Be positive
     • Be honest
5. Preparation of young people

   Before the older volunteer comes to the classroom for the first time, the teacher/professor should take time to discuss the program with the students. Use the Job Description to "walk through" the volunteer's responsibilities. Encourage the students to express their concerns and questions about the program and the older volunteer. The Orientation is just the beginning of learning about aging and building friendships with older adults. The following activities could be used to orient students or as ongoing activities that could be utilized by the older volunteers to promote discussion with students.

6. Strategies for working with older persons

   During the first meeting, the students will get acquainted with the older volunteers and get to know something about them, their expectations and concerns, their background and perceptions about this experience. Involving older persons in the classroom evokes a natural curiosity about aging. The students begin to think about development, aging and death from a different perspective. It is a wonderful opportunity for the teacher to incorporate information about aging in many different disciplines. See Aging Across the Curriculum for specific ideas for aging education.