Generally, Robert's Rules are needed when there's a problem -- someone won't stop talking, and you need to move on.

You start discussing an agenda item, people talk for a while; when the discussion winds down, you say, "does anyone want to make a motion?" Someone does, someone seconds, and then you can vote. You may need the person making the motion to state precisely what is being voted on.

Sometimes, the discussion runs on, and you ask for a motion to end discussion, or continue for another 5 minutes, or such.

Can someone please breakdown the most important roberts laws that I need to know when conducting a pto meeting? For example, when to use motion, second, when to vote..this is all foreign to me...I'm really nervous about this. I emailed the principle to find out if the PTO has any bylaws too. I just need help with the wording and to know what the meaning behind it.