How+To+Participate

Steps for Participating in Postcard Geography: > The project is free and open to all learning groups in the world. However, join only if you have a serious desire to participate and a commitment to fulfill the project obligation (**sending a card to every class on the list**). > Your class may choose to either send the postcards via snail mail, or you may want to send an **e-mail** card that will spark more active communication between schools. > The project is rewarding and exciting for students, but does require serious work and can be expensive! Only you can determine whether this project is a good "fit" for your learners. If the project fits...join us! > If, in spite of your best intentions, you are unable to continue with the project, PLEASE inform me immediately. Please do NOT simply "drop out" causing disappointment for students and teachers.

Preparing to Participate: Your students can make their own postcards...or the class can design and manufacture a single card. Be sure the cards clearly describe/have symbols to represent your community in pictures and words. Describe the physical and cultural geography of your area, any notable weather, agricultural products, etc., as well as special events or activities of note in your community. It is truly an art form to create an engaging AND educational card. Recipients will appreciate the effort your students put into their creations.

Decide how you will display postcards and maps used in the project. Bulletin boards, scrapbooks, web pages....the sky is the limit!

Organizing Students: Introduce the project to your students. Help students organize the project management. As appropriate, develop teams for:
 * addressing postcards to the mailing list
 * maintaining mailing list records
 * downloading and distributing new participant addresses
 * maintaining displays
 * providing publicity within the school community and with the local press and media

Using the Postcards You Receive: If making computer or handmade cards, design and assemble cards. Teach students postcard writing protocols:
 * proper addressing (Be sure to include an accurate return address and participant # on all your postcards!)
 * where to write on the postcard
 * the importance of focus and brevity in the message
 * reinforce our purpose: to teach others about our communities..not to exchange personal information about individual students

Send your first postcard to the participant whose name follows yours on your mailing list(s). This will ensure that all participants begin to receive cards immediately and increase the likelihood of all receiving equal numbers of cards. Send to ALL participants on your list...your cooperation here is critical to the success of the project! Please have patience with one another and with the project moderator. Every participant implements this project in their own way, on their own time line. There is no need to rush to get out all your cards in the first weeks, though you certainly may do so if this suits your implementation needs. We all do the best we can to make this project successful. An appreciative attitude is always helpful. Please model responsible, positive behavior for your students. Help them understand the real give and take necessary when participating in collaborative, global projects.