Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about virtual assemblies. If you have any questions or to book a virtual assembly, please take a minute to fill out the virtual assembly inquiry form, or call/text us at 312-505-9973. We are here to help!
What grade levels can participate?
About 75% of the students we work with are kindergarten through 5th grade and 25% are middle school through high school students. Some schools also involve pre-K children.
We also speak at a wide range of colleges, libraries, clubs, conferences, and businesses every year.
How much do your virtual assemblies cost?
We typically charge $400 for a single virtual assembly, $700 for two assemblies, and $1,000 for three.
As a nonprofit organization we are trying to make our virtual assemblies accessible to all schools. If our fees are more than your budget allows let me know and we will do our best to accommodate your budget.
How many students can participate?
We typically work with up to 500 students and teachers at a time.
However, there are ways more than 500 students and teachers can participate in single virtual assembly. If you have more than 500 students, contact us and we can help you figure out what will work best for your students.
Are virtual assemblies interactive?
Yes! One of our main goals is to keep the programs as interactive as possible. Throughout the program students are encouraged to submit questions they would like us to answer. They can also virtually raise their hands, answer multiple choice questions in polls that pop up on the screen, and move around to act out different things depending on the topic (for example, trying to move as slowly as a sloth during Rainforest Virtual Assembly).
What do students and teachers need to participate?
If students are in school, using a smart board or large screen at the front of each classroom typically works best.
If students are learning from home all they need to participate is a smartphone, tablet, or computer connected to the internet.
Before the assembly we will email you a link for students and teachers to click on to join the assembly along with easy to follow instructions.
Every school is a little different, but don't worry. We have shared successful virtual assemblies with many, many schools over the years. If you have any questions at any time, just let us know. We are hear to help.
Can a virtual assembly really replace a live school assembly?
Yes! Our virtual assemblies are fun programs that grab students’ attention and keep them engaged the whole time. Your students will learn a lot!
Do your school assemblies have a character building or anti-bullying message?
Yes, our character education assembly focuses on the Expedition ABCs:
Attitude – Our attitudes are contagious! If we have a good attitude, we will pass it on to those around us, which helps us all learn and grow.
Believe – Believe in yourself while encouraging your peers to do the same.
Care – Being caring and considerate towards others is important in the classroom and beyond.
Do your best – Do your best and work hard at home and at school.
Exercise – From practicing math problems to passing soccer balls or setting up a tent in a blizzard, exercising our minds and bodies helps us grow and learn.
We do not talk about bullying specifically in our school assemblies, but many of the life skills that we focus on address challenges in our schools and communities that often lead to bullying.
We are on a tight budget, how can we reduce the cost?
One easy way to reduce the cost is to partner with another school. Two small schools can schedule a virtual assembly together and split the cost. Another option is to get all of the students from a certain grade in your district together. Do all the 3rd graders study the rainforest, or perhaps the 5th grade follows the Iditarod? Bring them all together for one virtual assembly on the topic they are studying.
How long will the virtual show last?
Virtual assemblies are generally 35 to 45 minutes. K-2nd grade specific lessons are typically 35 minutes. Assemblies for older students are usually 45 minutes, but we can adjust our program to fit your schedule.
Is the virtual assembly pre-recorded or live?
We prefer to do the assemblies live so that students and teachers can ask questions and interact with us, but we can pre-record an assembly if you prefer. We also record all of our assemblies and make a link available for a week after each live show so that any students, parents, or teachers who were not able to attend can watch the virtual assembly later.
How long have you been doing virtual school assemblies?
We have been conducting virtual assemblies since 2013. Additionally, we have been performing traditional school assemblies since 2001.
What if a student becomes disruptive?
One of the reasons we prefer Zoom is that students’ ability to interact with the presenters and with fellow students and teachers is very controlled. All participants are muted and they cannot unmute themselves. Participants are able to type questions and comments, which have to be approved by a host or co-host before anyone else can see what they wrote.
If you would like, we can make one or more educators from your school co-hosts so they can see all of the questions students submit, approve or respond to questions, and remove any students or participants that they choose.
Can someone from our school introduce you and thank the PTA?
Yes, we can make that person a co-host and allow him or her to welcome students and teachers, and make any announcement via live video.
Can you come to our school for a live school assembly?
We typically do a handful of in person school assemblies and speaking engagements each year, but the vast majority of our programs are delivered virtually. We spend most of our time exploring rainforest, oceans, and other wild places around the globe and often find ourselves beaming in from exotic places to deliver our virtual assemblies, which adds a whole new dimension to our virtual programs. However, occasionally the stars align and we are able to offer in person assemblies. If you are interested in an in person program please contact us and we will see what we can do!