September 13, 2002

1
Developing Projects to Take to the Classroom

• September 13, 2002
• Judy J. Tejwani
• 714 934-0654 Work Home j5tejwani_at_yahoo.com

2
Whats In It For You?

• The Inspiration
• Children are more fun than adults
• The pride in the face of the child that you are
  supporting
• The personal rewards
• Supporting the child
• Helping in the Educational Process
• Giving to the Community
• Building the future of the country
• An increased knowledge of todays classrooms
• An increased appreciation for teachers

3
Developing Classroom Projects

• The Project should have an Objective to teach a
  lesson.
• It is best when the lesson fits in the class
  curriculum.
• Select a subject that you are comfortable with-
  Math and Science are the most popular. Practical
  lessons are good also.
• Match the technology to the grade level or vice
  versa.
• Make the Project easy cheap to complete.
• Its very important that each child obtain a
  feeling of some level of success.
• Use disposable items (water bottles, newspapers,
  paper rolls)
• Use several types of learning techniques- use all
  the senses
• If you want to get involved and visit classrooms,
  but dont want to create your own Project-
  contact Biz World info_at_bizworld.org

4
Safety- the first Responsibility

• Children are easily influenced, especially in the
  classroom environment
• Dont demonstrate Rubber Band Guns or Sling Shots
  as lessons in stored energy.
• If you say they can fly, by tying themselves to
  500 helium balloons, they will try it!
• You can take in something for a demonstration,
  but be aware, children want to touch things.
• Children naturally drop and break things. The
  Project should be sturdy or easily replaceable.
• Minimize the need for children to use sharp
  objects or chemicals.
• Pre-cut or prepackage items beforehand, it also
  saves time.

5
Developing the Package

• The Project Package- once you have developed a
  Project, the next step is to document the Package
• Include everything needed to complete the Project
• An objective statement on what lesson this
  Project will teach.
• Bill of Materials What is needed
• Copies of props Charts, Badges, Paper Money,
  Drawings, etc.
• Easy to understand instructions
• Definitions of the significance of the expected
  outcome
• Your name, address, phone number email
• Attach a copy of your one-sheet (speakers
  resume).
• Copy write your Package if you dont want it
  copied.
• If your package includes data from your job, you
  should get approval prior to dissemination.
  Possibly your employers Export Control office
  too.

6
More Information

• Props
• Make your Props Colorful, Fun
• Include copies of the artwork in the Package
• Good Goodies are very good!
• If you choose to give out anything, then all
  children must receive something. Ask the Teacher
  beforehand for the number of students.
• Bookmarks, pencils, erasers, stickers rulers
  are the best
• Edibles are not the best idea, but if you insist
  then
• They must be store bought, brand name
  (liability), individually wrapped and given to
  the teacher for distribution at the end of the
  day.
• Correspondence
• There shall be no personal correspondence between
  you and the students except through the teacher.
• Printed materials given to the students may have
  your name, but no personal address, phone number
  or eMail address (ie Bookmarks).

7
Coordinating the Event

• Personal Contacts through your child
• Let the teacher know you would like to visit the
  classroom (send a note, giving your phone numbers
  and eMail address).
• Identify your Project subject matter with the
  level of math if it is more than basic adding and
  subtracting.
• Most teachers may request a copy of the Project
  Package or a synopsis beforehand.
• A rejection of the Project should not be taken
  personal- ask if there is any other subject where
  they would like an outside project on or if they
  could pass your information on to another teacher
  at the school.
• Cold Contacts
• The Local School will probably need a personal
  resume (one sheet) along with a copy of the
  Project.
• Through your employers Community Interface
  Office
• Through an organization like Biz World, YMCA,
  Scouts
• Coordination Timing- may take 3 months or more

8
Visiting the Classroom

• Remember you are a Role Model
• That day you are a distinguished delegate from
  industry and the world of adults, parents,
  grandparents, etc.
• Use Your Best Behavior
• Use appropriate proper language
• Do not disturb the layout of the classroom as
  much as possible (2 minute clean-up rule)
• Do not physically touch the children other than
  shaking hands, for your protection and theirs.
• Think Safety
• Be positive in word and action. Be kind, warm and
  supportive.
• Remember you are not there to show how smart you
  are, but to empower the teacher and students to
  master a particular lesson!
• Ask for a Letter of Evaluation of your
  presentation from the teacher.

9
The Day of the Visit

• Arrive 30-45 min early
• Obey the Schools Regulations
• You may need to park 1-2 blocks away.
• You will need to sign-in with the office.
• You may need an escort to the Classroom.
• Bring a cart if your package is heavy- It may be
  a long walk.
• Dont bring sharp or dangerous objects.
• In the Classroom
• Keep your belongings contained- Dont be messy.
• Bring everything you need. Dont expect the
  teacher to have anything unless pre-arranged.
• Your project should enable quick clean-up (2
  minutes maximum).
• Ask the teacher to assist or be included.
• This signals the kids- pay attention!
• The teacher may find your presentation helpful as
  a future reference
• Allow time for the children to ask questions.
• KEEP WITHIN YOUR ALLOTED TIME!- teachers run a
  tight schedule.