Do I have to teach all the lessons in a theme for Curricubits to work?
Curricubits lessons are designed to work individually or as part of a larger whole. You may do just one lesson or you may teach a series of lessons to complete a theme. You can also choose to focus on a subject such as art and teach a series of lessons from different themes.
Do I have to complete the lessons in a particular order?
Most lessons can be taught in any order. Lessons with multiple parts will state in the notes section whether or not they must be taught in a particular order.
What is the "Big Idea"?
At the top of each lesson there is a section called the "Big Idea". This is what students should learn from the lesson. Group leaders should emphasize the "Big Idea". There is also an "Objective" at the top of each lesson. The "Objective" briefly states what students should do during the lesson.
Why are there three categories of materials?
Curricubits recommends that you store the materials for each activity in tub or box dedicated to that activity. That makes it easy for a group leader to grab the box and go when it is time to work with the students. To help you stock the box, the materials have been divided into three categories.
Activity Box
These materials can stay in the box for the activity all the time. They are non-consumable and non-perishable and relate specifically to the activity.
Special
Materials in this column are materials that you will probably need to buy. These items are often consumable and may be perishable. They are not typical classroom materials, but most can be found at your local craft supply or grocery store. If an item is difficult to find, we will try to make recommendations on where to find it on our website.
On Hand
These are common classroom materials that you probably already have such as pencils, paper, markers and paint.
What is the "messiness level"?
The messiness level tells you how much mess students might make with a particular project. There are three levels.
Messiness Level 1 (not messy)
These activities are not messy. They may involve pencils and paper but nothing that is likely to make a mess with a normal group of students.
Messiness Level 2 (messy)
Level 2 activities include projects with glue, chalk, and some with food. The activity could get messy, but the mess can probably be contained or easily cleaned up. Level 2 activities also include those where the group leader handles water but the students do not.
Messiness Level 3 (very messy)
Activities with a Messiness Level 3 have the potential to make a large mess that could require lots of cleanup. Most students do not make a big mess with these projects and the mess can usually be contained by covering tables and by providing a wash station and paper towels. These include activities that involve paint, sand, papier-mâché or any other wet materials.
In what format are the lessons?
All Curricubits lessons are downloaded as Zipped, Adobe® PDF files. When you open the ZIP file there may be several PDF files. These will include any handouts, instructions or worksheets that go with the lesson. You will need Adobe Reader®l to open the PDF files. Click the button to download Adobe Reader® for free.
I'm not sure Curricubits is right for me. May I try one out?
Yes. Add the free sample lesson Water, Water Everywhere - Part 1 to your shopping cart. Once you complete the checkout process you can download and use "Water, Water Everywhere - Part 1" just as you would any other Curricubits lesson.
What size group do I need to do a lesson?
Most lessons can be done with any size group between 1 and 20 students. The cover page of each lesson lists a recommended ratio of students to leaders. The ratio for most lessons is 20:1. Lessons where students learn or compete in teams (like the physical education lessons) work better with 10 or more students. The lessons that are very messy (messiness level 3) can be done with a 20:1 ratio but it is easier to have a 20:2 ratio where one leader teaches the lesson and the other person (maybe a volunteer) acts as an assistant.
My group leaders do not have time to make up lessons, how hard are these to follow?
All Curricubits lessons are very easy to follow. Each lesson is fully scripted and tells the group leader exactly what to say and do throughout the whole lesson. The cover page of each lesson tells the group leader all of the materials to collect and what preparation to do before the lesson.
Can we purchase only the lesson types we like?
Yes. Each Curricubits lesson is sold individually. You can purchase as few or as many types as you like. You can search by theme or subject to find what you are looking for.
What's included in the lessons I purchase?
All Curricubits lessons include a cover sheet, the lesson (in the "say and do" format) and any applicable worksheets. If a lesson has a project that needs to be completed before students arrive (like an "Earthquake Simulator" or "Quizubits Game Board") the lesson will include detailed instructions for completing that project.
What's on the cover sheet?
Every lesson includes a cover sheet with details about the lesson including the theme, subject, student to teacher ratio, messiness level, grade range, and ideal location. Each cover sheet has a complete materials list and list of national standards that the lesson has been aligned with. The cover sheet also has information about preparation for the lesson, and any tips or hints on making the lesson successful.
I have kids in groups that are different grade levels, what age groups can the lesson accommodate?
Each lesson has a grade range listed on the cover sheet. All elementary students can do most lessons. Level 1 activities are geared more toward lower elementary students (1st-3rd) while Level 2 activities are geared more toward upper elementary students (4th-6th). Students' interests and abilities vary widely between groups. It is best to choose a lesson that seems well suited to your group of students.
I don't have time to prepare a lesson for my program, what can I do to still teach something of value?
Curricubits is an excellent choice for anyone who does not have much time to prepare quality lessons for their program. All Curricubits lessons are aligned with national standards and are easy for anyone to use. The "say and do" format makes it possible to read through the lesson once or twice and then go teach it. Most of the materials for Curricubits lessons are available at craft supply or grocery stores.
How do Curricubits lessons help the students with regular school learning?
All Curricubits lessons are aligned with national standards. Curricubits are designed to reinforce regular day learning, boost vocabulary and increase students' general knowledge.
What if the answer to my question is not here?
If we have not answered your question, please submit your question through our customer service page. We will try to respond within one business day.
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