VISTING A CLASSROOM TIPS

• MAKE CONTACT: Contact your school district's third grade teachers to let them know you would be interested in addressing their classrooms. Make sure when speaking to the teacher you provide them with the 'TEACHER'S CHECK LIST' so they may review some of the topics you will be discussing, and the opportunity to print off the 'FUN SHEET' for their students. Determine how many will be in attendance and the issues of greatest interest to the students.

• PREPARE: Download and review the 'MAYOR'S CHECK LIST'. This check list is a helpful tool to prepare you for your visit and to use in the classroom to stimulate discussions.

• SHARE: Bring any materials you think would interest the students that will help explain your duties and responsibilities (i.e., gavel, municipal lapel pin). Bring copies of your local map or provide a link (i.e., googlemaps.com) that represents your geographic area.

• BRING NYCOM's 'FUN SHEET': Encourage the teachers to distribute NYCOM's 'FUN SHEET' to the students after the presentation. It is a great way to review the terms and facts discussed about New York State, our government, and the importance of communities.

• INVOLVE: Invite students to City/Village Hall and/or encourage them to attend a government meeting or watch one on a local government channel or website. These activities will allow them to see first hand how their local government works. These students are the next generation of citizens, voters and leaders.

• COMMUNICATE: Please share your experience with us. We would love to hear about your visit and any feedback you received.