• Instructors should follow the student pick-up procedure according to that class.
• Classrooms should be set up in an orderly fashion.
• Computers should ideally be placed in groups of 5 with a chargie box per group.
• Avoid wires and cables on the floor where there is more student traffic. This will prevent students from tripping and falling.
• Drop off students according to the protocol for that class.
• Repack kits to their original condition. Take note of any consumables that need to be restocked. Email “[email protected]” with any supply and/or repair requests.
• Clean up the room to the previous state before leaving.

Each school has its own procedures to follow. Please be aware of them and ask the front office if you have any questions. Some common procedures include:

• Teacher Sign-in/Sign-out
• Student Attendance
• School Tour
• Student Shirts
• Supervision Duty
• Parents & Volunteers
• Food
• Snack, Recess, Lunch

Breaks:

Instructors will often find it beneficial to give their students a break from class during 2+ hour-long sessions. Please keep the following in mind:

• Keep breaks between 15-30 minutes in length.
• Use longer breaks as a reward for good classroom behavior.
• Do not play movies during breaks.
• School-appropriate computer games may be played in classes with computers.
• LEGO and other building platforms are great alternatives for younger students.

General Classroom Etiquette:

• Instructors should “float” or walk around the classroom to assist students who need help.
• Instructors should NEVER be on their phones during class.
• Keep class fun and entertaining.
• Reinforce appropriate behavior.
• Avoid yelling and raising your voice.
• Do not use insulting or embarrassing put-downs.
• Keep physical contact with students appropriate and to a minimum.
• Avoid one-on-one scenarios with students by ensuring others are present.

Curriculum Feedback:

After a course is completed, please provide feedback on the projects and the course in general:

• Which classes were most successful?
• Which classes were not successful and why?
• Are there any revisions that need to be made to the curriculum?
• Was it engaging for the students?
• Was the project too difficult/easy?
• Were there any dangers or hazards that need to be addressed?
• Was the project of a suitable length? Too long/too short?
• Was it appropriate for the grade level?

School Arrival:

Instructors should arrive at class 45 minutes early for the first day to allow time for coordinating with the school. This could be discussing things like:

• Which classroom you are in
• Student pick-up and dismissal procedures specific to that school
• Attendance procedures
• Classroom requirements (chairs, tables, in-house projectors)

Instructors should arrive at least 30 minutes early for all other classes.

3D Printing Requests:

When teaching a 3D printing course, some projects will be printed. These files must be collected from the students and then logged in the 3D Print Request tab of the Operations Database. The files should also be uploaded to the 3D printing computer in the To Be Printed folder.

• Arrives or logs on daily at least 15 minutes prior to the start of class
• Utilizes this time to prepare all materials and activities for the day
• Checks email daily prior to the start of class (vendor manager)
• Signs in at the front office checks mailbox (in-person only)
• Creates a welcome email and develops a curriculum plan for each class (vendor manager)
• Responds to parent inquiries in a timely manner (vendor manager)
• Takes prompt attendance daily
• Interfaces with parents/guardians as needed concerning student conduct, health, and performance
• Maintains a safe and clean work environment for both staff and students

Grade Levels

• Classes are designed to group similar ages and levels together and all classes are for enrichment only
• We mostly do not allow students to register out of their grade level/age range in order to maintain a positive learning environment with peers, however our classes are designed to accomodate all skill levels and in some cases we will allow a student to register and attend a class dispite being out of their grade level/age range.

Attendance

• Student rosters will be provided either by the site clerk or Brainstorm for in-person classes
• For safety reasons, attendance will be taken within the first 15-minutes each day

COVID Policies & Procedures for In-Person Classes

• Smaller class sizes to accommodate social distancing
• Students will remain with their same class throughout the day/session
• Staff to conduct visual wellness checks of students upon arrival
• Mandatory face coverings such as a mask for all staff, instructors, students, parents, and any other adults on campus
• Routine hand washing and surface cleaning
• Hand sanitizer and tissue available in all classrooms
• Limiting shared materials, to the extent feasible
• Outdoor time will be staggered so classes do not commingle
• To the extent feasible, social distancing and limited interactions during drop-off and pick-up
• Professional cleaning and sanitizing after class at the end of the day
• Non-essential visitors will not be allowed on campus
• Students will be required to complete a COVID waiver prior to participating

Classroom Management Strategies

• Set clear rules and expectations in advance for:
• COVID-related procedures
• Classroom behaviors and use of technology/supplies
• Activities and experiments, playground, and bathroom
• Motivate students to want to participate
• Use a positive reinforcement system
• Plan engaging and interactive lessons coupled with movement between lessons
• Have a schedule/routine for each class so parents and students know what to expect each day
• To foster community building and interaction, it is recommended to have an ice breaker for the first lesson