Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've never taught a lesson before? 

Don't worry! The lessons are designed to be user-friendly. The children will adore you no matter what! Just seeing you in their classrooms is what we value the most. 

Can more than one parent/guardian/caregiver volunteer? 

Yes! Some parents like to join up with one or more other parents to present the lesson. Feel free to pair up or triple up! 

Will the teacher be in the class while I'm there? 

Yes! The teacher will be in the classroom. 

How long is each lesson?

Each lesson is designed to last one class period: about 45 minutes.

Do I have to follow the lesson exactly?

No, you don't have to follow the lesson exactly. The lessons are structured to provide you with suggested guiding questions and activities that you can carry out as you are comfortable. 

How should I prepare? 

For the books, we recommend you explore this website, read through the lesson, watch the read aloud of the book, and review the directions for the post-reading activity before arriving at school. For the Meet the Artist lessons, we recommend you look through the Google Slides lesson (check the slide notes for more information) before arriving at school. 

Do I have to bring any materials? How do I display the book, pictures, videos, or art piece? 

You don't have to bring any materials; all materials (hardcopy of book, printout of lesson, copies of activities, and art supplies) will be provided to you. Some lessons will require you to project an image, Google Slides lesson, or play a YouTube video clip using the teacher's computer and projector. The teacher will be able to let you use their computer, projector, and speakers. 

Where do I find the books and art supplies? 

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your time slot and check in with the main office when you arrive. They will direct you to the location of the materials, which are organized in kits by grade and theme.  

For more detailed Day of Directions, please select your school:                                              

Tucker | Cunningham | Collicot | Glover

What do I do when the lesson is over? 

• Please put the extra materials into the kit and return materials to their original location. 

• Please neatly put materials back by grade and theme so we can keep the Project organized and running smoothly for next year. 

• Please fill out our feedback form. Thank you!

Thank you to Room Parents for helping coordinate the UNITY Project in classrooms! 

Here is what Room Parents can do to help: 

1) In September (or no later than early-October), please ask the teacher to identify dates (Sign Up Templates: Collicot | Cunningham | Glover | Tucker) for parents to teach a UNITY Project lesson. Teachers are kindly asked to identify class periods per theme during the months indicated below: 

• Self - November (1 class period needed)

• Stories - December + January + February (3 class periods needed, except 2nd grade only needs 2 class periods)

• Systems - March (1 class period needed)

• Solving Problems - April + May (1 class period needed except 2nd grade needs 2 class periods)

• Standing Up + Standing Together - June (1 class period needed)

Here is an email template (teacher) you can send to Teachers. 

2) Once you have dates from the teacher and preferably by mid October, please email Families to volunteer for the UNITY Project, to start in November. Here is an email template (families) and flyer you can send to Families.

3) Throughout the year, please assist with coordination of parent volunteers with the teacher by sending reminder emails. 

Thank you for opening up your classroom to parent/guardian/caregiver volunteers! Teachers are kindly asked to identify available class periods per theme during the months indicated below: 

• Self - November (1 class period needed during this month)

• Stories - December + January + February (3 class periods needed over the span of these 3 months, except 2nd grade only needs 2 class periods)

• Systems - March (1 class period needed)

• Solving Problems - April + May (1 class period needed except 2nd grade needs 2 class periods)

• Standing Up + Standing Together - June (1 class period needed)

Your Room Parent should be reaching out by mid-October for you to indicate available dates/times in a Google Sheet template for parents to sign up. We ask you to select dates for the entire year, with understanding that dates may change due to unforeseen circumstances. In these cases, please communicate directly with the parent volunteer(s) to reschedule a time that works. 

Some lessons will ask the Parent to project an image, Google Slides lesson, or play a YouTube video clip using the teacher's computer and projector. Thank you for accommodating these needs. 

We ask teachers to remain in the classroom during Parent-led lessons. Thank you!