Handbook for Mini Class Instructors 2018-19
Thank you for your interest in leading a mini class at Mosaic! We hope this will be a great resource for you as you plan your class(es).
If you have any questions, please contact PTO President, Michelle W.: flipandbendcustomleos@gmail.com
Contents:
- What are Mini Classes?
- Scheduling a class
- Selecting a topic for your class
- Planning your class
- Tips for carrying out an effective class
1.) What are Mini Classes?
Mini Classes are parent-taught classes for Mosaic students on Tuesday and/or Thursday afternoons, throughout the school year. They are designed to open up a whole new world of hands-on learning to students, thanks to the huge variety of talents and expertise of parents. Classes run from 1-2pm, from October to May. Students can choose to attend as many classes as they would like during the year, which will be listed on Martha’s master calendar of events.
2.) Scheduling a class!
So you’ve decided you’re ready to jump in and teach a class! A sign-up genius is up on the Mosaic k-8 Google Group. Simply select a day, (or two or three or six …)make sure to indicate if it will repeat, and put your name down! The Mini Class Coordinator will add you to the master calendar and let you know what room is available for the dates you have chosen. You can teach a one day class, or a class that meets regularly. It is up to you!
3.) Selecting a topic for your class.
The first question to ask yourself is ‘What am I passionate about?’ Your enthusiasm for a topic will be infectious will inspire students to be engaged in the activities you bring to the table. Do you need to be an expert at the subject? Not really. It does help if you have a good comfort level with the material, and some relevant personal background, but in some cases you can just do some research yourself in order to bring new learning to students.
If you can dream it, think of ways to make the topic kid-friendly, and it is in line with common sense practices of what is appropriate on a school campus (the rules of the school), you can teach it! Here is a very small sampling of the many classes that can occur:
World Cultures: French Language, Spanish, Global Holiday Traditions
Physical Education: Basketball, Running Club, Gymnastics, Cricket, Yoga, Obstacle Courses
STEM: DIY Robots, Bottle Rockets, Lego Engineering, Birds of Prey, Veterinary Sciences
Arts & Crafts: Book Making, Watercolor Painting, Architectural Model Making, Fashion Design , Knitting
Performing Arts: Dance choreography, Thriller Dance, Drumming, Singing, Reader’s Theater
Miscellaneous: Gardening, Survival Skills, Chess, Current events, Kindness Club, Team Challenges, Poetry, Slime making, Community Service…
… and the list goes on and on!!!
4.) Planning your class
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you are planning your class:
What are your main objectives, or what will students accomplish by the end of the session?
Examples:
- Students will have learned to make five different origami animals.
- Students will be able to count to ten, sing a song, and have a short conversation in French.
- Students will be able to knit a simple square.
What ages are appropriate? It is great to have classes open to all ages k-8th grade, but sometimes the class material requires a certain developmental level or understanding. You can request a narrower age window if needed.
What space will best fit your class? Do you need a large floor space, an oven, or a room with a door so you don’t disturb others with your loud music? You can share your parameters and let the coordinator see what space would be available. You can offer classes off campus, as well.
What activities will you be doing? Try your best to plan activities that are developmentally appropriate for the age group of your students.
What supplies or materials are needed? Please bring your supplies with you. Some common tools are available in the classroom (ie: scissors, crayons, etc).
Have you filled out the online background check and volunteer requirements? Do you have the right permits? When you have been cleared to volunteer in the school, you are ready to go! Woohoo!!
* For cooking/ food classes: Please obtain any special food handling permits needed if working with food.
5.) Tips for carrying out an effective class.
- Overview the activities. Share what you have planned for the class each day.
- Share your expectations. You might have some special safety needs, or you might have requests of the students so that everybody is successful.
- Clean-up. Be sure to leave time for students to clean up and reset the room.
Thanks again for teaching – we hope you have a ton of FUN!!