Keys to Success

This section is designed to help parents, teachers, principles and administrators present the best programs to students. It shares with you our 10 years of experience and many details we have discovered that make a program successful.

Success With Assemblies

Wonderama's assemblies are designed to educate and entertain the students. There are different ways to prepare your school for the assembly, and if you have any questions or concerns on how to make your assembly work, please feel free to contact us

• Match the program to weakness in your science or math curriculum
• Discuss the program in advance with students. Wonderama's assembly guides can help with this
• Select a time of year and day of week when students will be most receptive to the assembly
• Avoid scheduling conflicts by considering breakfast, teaching specials, lunch, and the use of the facility (before and after school programs
• Let the present know if he or she will need to bring supplies up or down a flight of stairs (science requires a lot of equipment)
• Communicate schedule with custodial and cafeteria staff
• Make custodians aware of the presenter's needs in advance
• If possible, acquire small sample carpet squares for kids to sit on during an assembly in a gym
• Review Assembly manners with students before the assembly
• Have early elementary students practice going to an assembly before the 1^st show of the year
• Keep grade levels together
• Notify presenter before the assembly if class groupings have been rearranged for a show
• The smaller the group of students, the higher the percentage of kids that can be involved. Smaller groups find the show more education, enjoyable and personable
• Remember, a late fee is charged if payment is not made by the programs' end

Secrets to a successful hands-on program

The Knowledge and experiences students take away from a Wonderama hands-on program are enormous. The intensity of student and parent involvement in a hands-on program requires special considerations. Because Wonderama was the first to create Science/Math parties and Family Science Math Nights, 9 years ago, we have the experience that will make your preparations easier. Here are our suggestions to assist you in planning:

• Contact us well in advance of your desired date. Scheduling at least 60 days in advance will allow time for us and you to work through the details of the program
• Make notes of all conversations with Wonderama staff for later reference
• Ask questions, questions, questions!
• TV & Press coverage can help with positive press. Hands-On programs are exciting and can offer great picture opportunities.
• Volunteers are an important part of a hands-on program. Try to get our minimum sign up and a buffer for the few people who can't make it at the last minute. The more help there is, the more fun the program will be fore everyone.
• Make sure you have everything on our needs list in advance so you don't get caught short
• Tell the custodial and cafeteria staff we are coming
• Involve the teachers in selecting the curriculum to be accented during the program. The best reinforcement occurs when discussion of the activities continues in the classroom
• Let the presenter know if he or she will need to bring supplies up or down a flight of stairs (science requires a lot of supplies)
• Check schedule with after school groups in advance (including sport and latch-key programs)
• There are mini-grants available from the state and other organizations which may help pay for program costs. You may want to seek these out!