1) Preparation is key to comfort

Generally, How to Prep:

1. Break the kit into folders by session

2. Review/mark-up your Volunteer Guide 

3. Watch the Volunteer Resource Videos and/or click through your Online Presentation 

4. Practice playing the paper games and/or clicking through the games/activities on the Online Presentation

5. Think about your introduction - both how you will introduce yourself/your organization/your role and how to break the ice with the students

6. Remember that prep for each session shouldn't take more than about 15 mins

If you are volunteering with teaching partners:

1. Decide if/when you will meet to organize the kit/choose who will take the lead on which sessions, and take your pieces and parts home with you if possible

2. Talk about how to break the ice with the students and how to introduce yourselves

2) You're not alone! 

• JA staff can help with with any questions about the program/prep leading up to the event. 

• Your company's volunteer champion(s) can help if you're having trouble connecting with your teaching partner.

• The classroom teacher will be in the classroom with you every minute that you're working with students - really and truly - they can't leave! You can rely on them to help with classroom management, classroom technology, timing, distribution of materials, etc. Lean on them if you need support. 

3) Perspective: 'Keep the main thing the main thing'

Yes, JA content is important, but...

• It's even more important that you are

  • • authentic

    • interested

    • inclusive

      • • intentions - make it your goal to bring every child along with you

        • words - consider your words (family v. parents, assuming everyone makes an allowance)

        • actions - try to get everyone involved (some may prefer one-on-one/quiet questions)

        • appearance - any logo/branded clothing should be your company branding only (please avoid bands, sports teams, etc.) 

    • empathetic

    • kind

• Tell stories/lead a conversation v. "PRESENTING"

• NO ONE is keeping score - take the time, go down the rabbit hole, and give yourself a break!

• Roll with the punches - adjust as you go

• FINAL NOTE: Take the preparation seriously so you can relax and HAVE FUN with the students, but not overly seriously (you don't need to memorize content - just get the gist, learn how to play the games, relax, and have fun with it)!

Thank you!