Tolerance through Education Initiative
Welcome to School: Helping Kids Belong
Participate
How to Get Started and Use the Program
If you're interested in participating in the "Welcome to School: Helping Kids Belong" program or if you'd like to order a copy of the program curriculum, which includes a video and CD, please contact:
American Bar Association
General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division
321 N. Clark St. - M/S 18.2
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Ph: (312) 988-5648
Fx: (312) 988-5711
genpractice@abanet.org
Use the following steps to prepare, present and debrief the program.
- Review the Program Facilitator's Guide, the classroom activities and the Program Video. Use the Appendix in the Facilitator's Guide for tools and strategies that will help you successfully present the program.
- Prepare a brief letter of introduction describing your interest in presenting the program for the principal of the school you have selected for your presentation. See the Model Guidelines for the Letter to the Principal in the Appendix.
- Follow any protocol that has been established by the principal for contacting the classroom teacher. Contact the teacher of the third-grade classroom where you will present the lesson. Send him/her a copy of the Classroom Teacher Program Information Sheet located in the Appendix. Use the Classroom Teacher Questions List in the Appendix to guide the introductory conversation with your classroom teacher.
- Schedule the presentations with the classroom teacher. Ideally, the three visits to the classroom will occur about one week apart. Other options for effective delivery of the program include:
- Partnering with more than one lawyer to do the presentations.
- Asking to partner with the classroom teacher to share the responsibility of presenting the program.
- Partnering with civic and other community organizations to do the presentations at school or in after-school programs.
- Plan, tailor and present the program to match the needs of your students and classroom.
- Use the Lawyer/Facilitator's Debriefing Guide located in the Appendix to evaluate the success of your classroom presentations.
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