Passport Club is an international program designed to help students learn the countries of the world through memorization and review over several years. The club is open to ALL students in grades 2 through 5. Each child receives a new passport and a study map, and earns stamps each month as they learn to identify the countries of the world. It’s a valuable, rewarding, and fun enrichment program. It’s also an individualized home-study program- you choose the appropriate level for your child.
How does it work?
Each month students receive a study map with identified countries listed by level (September is a little different because it focuses on continents, oceans, mountain ranges, etc). Students choose, with parent and teacher input, from five levels of study, beginning with the introductory level of 5 countries per month (40 countries for the year), up to Level 5 (264 locations for the year) with all the world’s countries plus 40 capitals, oceans, seas, and mountain ranges. Usually Level 1 and 2 is suitable for second graders, Level 1 through 3 for third graders and so on.
Each month, usually on the third or fourth Friday, teachers will take their Passport Club students to the “checkpoint” for a few minutes where the Passport Club checkpoint volunteers test their knowledge. Students receive a postage stamp in their club passport for each completed level. Passports are kept at the checkpoint until the end of the year. Students are given a study page to show you how they did and to study for Second-Chance Day if they missed locations. They also receive a new study map for the next month. Extra maps are available in the main office.
Why do the countries repeat each year?
We only have one Earth, and all of its recognized countries are presented each year in the same order. Passport Club lists and maps change only when countries’ names and borders change. This yearly repetition provides students with needed review of the easier levels as they learn the more difficult levels. Wouldn’t it be great if every 5th grader leaving Terra Linda could identify the 40 major nations of the world? Most Americans can’t, but almost all of our 5th graders can! Can you?
My child has been in Passport Club before. Why should they repeat? Will they enjoy it?
Yes, they will enjoy it! Most students are eager to earn new stamps and a new passport each year. The repetition of countries just makes it easier and builds confidence for middle school. Club members also have new challenges of the Special Itineraries to conquer.
When are the Check Days?
Check days are usually the third or fourth Friday of the month, with a few exceptions due to holidays or other school activities. We meet during the school day, so no extra time is required, except for home study. Look for check dates to be published in the PTC blast, on the hardcopy maps we send home, and the Terra Linda website. Dates for the 2019/2020 school year are:
- September 27
- October 25
- November 15
- December 13
- January 24
- February 21
- March 20
- April 15 (Wednesday)
- May 22
- June 5 (second chance day)
How does my child join?
Passport Club is open to all students in grades 2-5. Look for your study maps coming home each month.
What can parents do?
First, study the monthly map with your child at home and remember the check dates. Keep it fun and positive! Passport Club is not competitive. The repetition of countries over several years is the key to long-term learning. If you lose a map, pick one up in the main office.
Second, volunteer!!!
How can I volunteer?
We need check-day helpers, stamp sorters, and general crowd control. Volunteers staff the entire program. Most parents love learning something right along with their child. We will provide the simple training. Email passport coordinators Amanda Englund and Zack Waters at passportclub.terra.linda@gmail.com if you’re interested.
We offer two general check times from 8:20-10:20 am and 10:15-12:15 pm. However, we are flexible and appreciate whatever time you are able to give. We only meet once a month so it’s a great way to step in and quickly get to know and help kids across the whole school.
Where can we get extra maps?
Each student gets the next map on Check Day or sent home in folders for the following month. We also put extra hard copies in the main office. Online maps can be found at https://passportclubonline.com/online-student-study-maps. The study maps on the website are password protected. The password is: HelloWorld
Who can take Special Itinerary?
This additional program is only for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders who are working at grade level in their regular passport. The 3rd grade studies Landmarks and Monuments, 4th grade studies States, State Capitals, and North American Neighbors, and 5th graders study Rivers and Lakes of the World. Special Itinerary testing begins in October. Study guides for Special Itinerary can be found in the links on this page organized by grade. Additional stamps are earned each month for completed itineraries.
What recognition will my child get for his/her achievements?
Throughout the year, students who pass level 5 will get their name on our passport bulletin board. At the end of the year, each child will get to keep their passports with real postage stamps from around the world that they have earned. Special certificates are awarded to those students who have completed their grade level, level 5, or all items of their Special Itinerary each month of the entire year.