I wanted to share with you some of the elements of my "Don’t Be a Bully Dog" Presentation for schools, youth groups and parents. I'd love to come to your place and share this presentation with your children so together we can fight the war on Bullying!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Bullying in its various forms is prevalent in schools around the globe, and sadly, many children learn, practice and experience bullying beginning at a very young age. To those being bullied, bullies often appear intimidating, strong and confident. They wreak havoc on a child’s self esteem and confidence while working hard to improve their own. Anyone who has been bullied knows that dealing with a bully is a daunting task. But there are ways. The first step is for school-aged children to talk about the topic. Author Jacquie Ream’s recent book, Bully Dogs, creates the perfect opportunity for school-aged children from elementary to junior high to do just that.
APPROXIMATE TIME: 45 minutes (Presentations can be customized for your schedule and group size.)
AUDIENCE: Kindergarten through junior high classrooms, youth groups and violence prevention programs
PROGRAM GOAL: To promote awareness and solutions around Bullying using the children’s novel Bully Dogs as a platform for safe discussion.
PROGRAM ELEMENTS:
1. Author Story: The real life story of why author Jacquie Ream wrote Bully Dogs
2. Discussion: “Being Bullied” and “Being a Bully,” utilizing the Book Report (see below)
• Definition and examples of bullying
• Teasing vs. Bullying
• How to deal with a bully (FLOAT)
3. In Class Exercise: Children act out using “Bully Dog” masks an example of another child their age being bullied.
4. Take Home Exercise: Children write their own short story about a fictional character that is being bullied in school showing how their character felt about the situation and how they handled it.
5. In Class Agreement: Children sign the “I won’t be a Bully Dog” agreement that will be kept in class for everyone to see. Each child will receive a signed bookmark.
6. Author/Book signing
7. Class Materials Provided:
• Bully Dogs books (to be read ahead of time)
• Book Report – Questions related to the book for students to complete as homework
• The “I won’t be a Bully Dog” agreement
Review the whole presentation at: http://www.jacquieream.com/bullydog_presentation.html
Please call Susan Burnash of Purple Duck Marketing (678)925-3582 or email: susan@purpleduckmarketing.com to schedule a presentation for your school, church, youth, or nonprofit group.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Bringing my "Don't Be a Bully Dog" Anti-bullying presentation to schools, youth groups and parents
Now more than ever, bullying has become a big problem. Inside and outside of the classroom, children are coming face to face with a new enemy, one who’s often their age and their size. Parents and educators struggle to find a common place where they reach children being bullied, and as a result, children often end up dealing with bullies on their own. It falls upon the educators and parents alike to initiate clear rules of behavior that define, discourage and deflect bullies from targeting children. Bullying is never acceptable, in whatever form it takes. A child’s learning, social skills and self-esteem are impacted negatively. And too often, Bullying leads to violence, sometimes with tragic consequences.
As an Author and former educator, my new juvenile novel, Bully Dogs, was written to address the topic of bullying in a brand new way. Through the winning voice of sixth-grader Fran Reed, Bully Dogs offers a chance for children, parents and teachers to discuss bullying in a safe but entertaining manner.
Faced with her neighbor’s three ferocious dogs, and a group of girls at school determined to put her down, Fran isn’t sure whether to stand up for herself or sit the tough times out. When Fran sees that her school’s volleyball team won’t succeed unless the bullying ends, she realizes she’ll have to stand up for herself. But who should she face first: the vicious-looking dogs that chase her to school, or the girls who try to make her feel bad about being herself? As Fran begins to discover her own strength and find her self-confidence, she sees bullies are like growling dogs that just won’t go away. And Bully Dogs proves that when it comes to bullies, the bark really is worse than the bite!
In hopes of using my Bully Dogs story to create more dialogue around bullying, I am visiting schools, libraries and youth groups with my “Don’t Be a Bully Dog” presentation. In a safe classroom setting, and through the discussion of the challenges, obstacles and solutions my Bully Dogs characters experience, my goal is to create a fun and comfortable way for children to express their own feelings, experiences and solutions for bullying in their everyday lives.
As part of my effort to make my book and presentation accessible to all, I am providing, on loan, copies of the book so that each child has a copy to read prior to my visit.
I would love to share my story and presentation with your children and students. The complete outline for the presentation is on my website http://www.jacquieream.com/bullydog_presentation.html .
To schedule a presentation for your students, or youth group, please call Susan Burnash of Purple Duck Marketing at (678)925-3582.
As an Author and former educator, my new juvenile novel, Bully Dogs, was written to address the topic of bullying in a brand new way. Through the winning voice of sixth-grader Fran Reed, Bully Dogs offers a chance for children, parents and teachers to discuss bullying in a safe but entertaining manner.
Faced with her neighbor’s three ferocious dogs, and a group of girls at school determined to put her down, Fran isn’t sure whether to stand up for herself or sit the tough times out. When Fran sees that her school’s volleyball team won’t succeed unless the bullying ends, she realizes she’ll have to stand up for herself. But who should she face first: the vicious-looking dogs that chase her to school, or the girls who try to make her feel bad about being herself? As Fran begins to discover her own strength and find her self-confidence, she sees bullies are like growling dogs that just won’t go away. And Bully Dogs proves that when it comes to bullies, the bark really is worse than the bite!
In hopes of using my Bully Dogs story to create more dialogue around bullying, I am visiting schools, libraries and youth groups with my “Don’t Be a Bully Dog” presentation. In a safe classroom setting, and through the discussion of the challenges, obstacles and solutions my Bully Dogs characters experience, my goal is to create a fun and comfortable way for children to express their own feelings, experiences and solutions for bullying in their everyday lives.
As part of my effort to make my book and presentation accessible to all, I am providing, on loan, copies of the book so that each child has a copy to read prior to my visit.
I would love to share my story and presentation with your children and students. The complete outline for the presentation is on my website http://www.jacquieream.com/bullydog_presentation.html .
To schedule a presentation for your students, or youth group, please call Susan Burnash of Purple Duck Marketing at (678)925-3582.
My Inteview by Michael F. Shaughnessy
Recently I was interviewed by Michael Shaughnessy for www.EducationNews.org around my latest children’s book: YNK – You Never Know and the topic of cellphones, manners, texting and bullying. I really enjoyed speaking with Michael and think we had some great dialogue. I’m going to share it over the next week. Do you have any thoughts you would like to add to the conversation? Please comment below!
MS: Jacquie I have to tell you, I am very tired of sitting in a restaurant, trying to enjoy a cup of coffee and these cell phone are going off all around me with all kinds of noises and tunes and buzzing and the William Tell Overture. What’s a sane adult to do.
JR: It is too bad that so many people have forgotten the common courtesy of respecting others’ space. I would frequent establishments that post a “no cell phones: quiet zone “ and know that I have to put up with celly chatter in places that don’t have a “no cell” policy.
MS: I recently saw good old Jerry Seinfeld on tv and even he comments on the fact that people answer their cell phones , ignoring the person they are talking to and then they text, continuing to ignore the person they are with and then they check their e-mail, continuing to ignore the person they are with—well, you get the idea. Have we become a nation of no courtesy? Or a very rude nation?
JR: Unfortunately, I think this is the crux of the problem we are facing with our advanced technology---we’ve forgotten some very basic manners, which are, after all, more common sense than rules. I want to feel like I am important to the person I am with at the moment; if he or she is texting, on a cell phone or laptop, I know that I am not the center of that person’s attention. I don’t care if everyone else does it, I am more important. If I have to call you on your cell phone to tell you that I am sitting beside you and want to converse, why would I bother to meet you in person?
MS: I go into the cleaners to drop off some khaki pants. The kid behind the counter starts to take care of my but then their phone rings and they stand there talking, yapping away for about 5 minutes. Where is the manager in this scene? What happened to “The Customer Comes First”
JR: I would have no problem with a hard stare, a loud sigh and pursed lips until the kid got off the phone; then I would ask in my most motherly voice, “You do know that talking while I am waiting to conduct business is rude and unprofessional, right?”
MS: Moving on to children and cell phones. I can understand parents wanting to be in touch with their kids- but at what age should one of these little tykes be given this wonderful instrument with which to burden their thumbs?
JR: A lot depends on the circumstances for parent and child. One thing I appreciate about cell phones is the gps locator in the phones ---it is an added false sense of security, if the phone is on and has a full battery, then it is possible to track the whereabouts of the person’s phone, not necessarily the person. I personally don’t think elementary school children should have cell phones, unless the child is walking a long distance home after school, or is a latch-key child.
MS: And what are the duties, obligations and responsibilities that parents have?
to be continued.......
MS: Jacquie I have to tell you, I am very tired of sitting in a restaurant, trying to enjoy a cup of coffee and these cell phone are going off all around me with all kinds of noises and tunes and buzzing and the William Tell Overture. What’s a sane adult to do.
JR: It is too bad that so many people have forgotten the common courtesy of respecting others’ space. I would frequent establishments that post a “no cell phones: quiet zone “ and know that I have to put up with celly chatter in places that don’t have a “no cell” policy.
MS: I recently saw good old Jerry Seinfeld on tv and even he comments on the fact that people answer their cell phones , ignoring the person they are talking to and then they text, continuing to ignore the person they are with and then they check their e-mail, continuing to ignore the person they are with—well, you get the idea. Have we become a nation of no courtesy? Or a very rude nation?
JR: Unfortunately, I think this is the crux of the problem we are facing with our advanced technology---we’ve forgotten some very basic manners, which are, after all, more common sense than rules. I want to feel like I am important to the person I am with at the moment; if he or she is texting, on a cell phone or laptop, I know that I am not the center of that person’s attention. I don’t care if everyone else does it, I am more important. If I have to call you on your cell phone to tell you that I am sitting beside you and want to converse, why would I bother to meet you in person?
MS: I go into the cleaners to drop off some khaki pants. The kid behind the counter starts to take care of my but then their phone rings and they stand there talking, yapping away for about 5 minutes. Where is the manager in this scene? What happened to “The Customer Comes First”
JR: I would have no problem with a hard stare, a loud sigh and pursed lips until the kid got off the phone; then I would ask in my most motherly voice, “You do know that talking while I am waiting to conduct business is rude and unprofessional, right?”
MS: Moving on to children and cell phones. I can understand parents wanting to be in touch with their kids- but at what age should one of these little tykes be given this wonderful instrument with which to burden their thumbs?
JR: A lot depends on the circumstances for parent and child. One thing I appreciate about cell phones is the gps locator in the phones ---it is an added false sense of security, if the phone is on and has a full battery, then it is possible to track the whereabouts of the person’s phone, not necessarily the person. I personally don’t think elementary school children should have cell phones, unless the child is walking a long distance home after school, or is a latch-key child.
MS: And what are the duties, obligations and responsibilities that parents have?
to be continued.......
Sunday, November 14, 2010
My Visit to Gregory Heights Elementary School for Author’s Day
On a sunny day in Seattle, I was invited to Gregory Heights Elementary School for Author’s Day, hosted by the librarian, Mr. Michael Bento. I have taught workshop for adults, but nothing is as scary as living up to the expectations of sixth-graders.
I have to say I am impressed with the depth and thoughtfulness of their questions and responses. One student got to the bottom line and asked me if I made any money writing; I replied you should have another job with a steady income. Another student asked about the creative process, and how I go about the writing process; we had a discussion about the different types of writing and methods to best approach an essay, a book report, a journal or short story. They were quiet and attentive as I explained the process of birthing a book from manuscript to publication, and the business of marketing a book.
Those two thirty-minute sessions with the sixth-graders zipped by all too fast, and I as I gathered up my materials, I realized that I left with a lot more than I had brought with me: a heartfelt appreciation for the students at Gregory Heights Elementary School.
Thank you to all the students who asked so many great questions!
I would love to visit your school for your Author's Day. Please contact me directly if you'd like me to participate. I am always inspired by children when I visit schools. They help me keep my story ideas relevant and meaningful!
Contact me here: http://www.jacquieream.com/Contact.html
I have to say I am impressed with the depth and thoughtfulness of their questions and responses. One student got to the bottom line and asked me if I made any money writing; I replied you should have another job with a steady income. Another student asked about the creative process, and how I go about the writing process; we had a discussion about the different types of writing and methods to best approach an essay, a book report, a journal or short story. They were quiet and attentive as I explained the process of birthing a book from manuscript to publication, and the business of marketing a book.
Those two thirty-minute sessions with the sixth-graders zipped by all too fast, and I as I gathered up my materials, I realized that I left with a lot more than I had brought with me: a heartfelt appreciation for the students at Gregory Heights Elementary School.
Thank you to all the students who asked so many great questions!
I would love to visit your school for your Author's Day. Please contact me directly if you'd like me to participate. I am always inspired by children when I visit schools. They help me keep my story ideas relevant and meaningful!
Contact me here: http://www.jacquieream.com/Contact.html
Technology is a Privilege
I’ve had enough.
Between the proliferation of cyberbullying that has been dominating the headlines and the inappropriate communications that cell phones and computers enable teens to engage in, it’s time for us as parents to set new rules for how children use technology.
Lately, I’ve been on a rant, (really a radio anti-bullying tour) on this topic. And I’m using the books in my Bully Dog Series to help create dialogue about this topic between children, parents, and teachers alike. In my latest book “YNK-You Never Know,” and my school program to help children understand “How not to be a Bully Dog” Fran is back with a whole new set of challenges including engaging in cyberbullying.
Although YNK-You Never Know is a fictional book for middle school and early teen children who simply enjoy reading, and the return of the first book’s main characters, it is also is my way of bringing to the forefront the pitfalls of technology facing our children today. I’ve seen it myself, parents are currently experiencing the pressure of how new technology has become such an integral part of their children’s daily lives. And for many, they have no idea how to discuss this subject in a way that their children can understand that they have their concerns for how it is being abused. Think about it, only five years ago, most teens, never mind their younger siblings, didn’t own a cell phones. If they did it was carried for emergency purposes only. Today, not having a cell phone by the time you are a teen is a reason to get bullied enough.
Sadly, children today are holstering cellphones, and accessing the internet in ways that are as dangerous as a gun and we’ve all seen the news of bullied youngsters who have taken their own life. This has to stop, and as adults it is our job to do everything we can to see that it does.
I believe that the best way to prevent cyberbullying is for parents and educators to teach children about the “rules” of engaging in technology, and the ramification of their behaviors should they not follow them. Afterall, we can still take away that cell phone or move the computer out of their room, or even our house.
In my next post I will be talking about a few things that parents should think about when it comes to children and technology. I'd love to hear your comments too!
Between the proliferation of cyberbullying that has been dominating the headlines and the inappropriate communications that cell phones and computers enable teens to engage in, it’s time for us as parents to set new rules for how children use technology.
Lately, I’ve been on a rant, (really a radio anti-bullying tour) on this topic. And I’m using the books in my Bully Dog Series to help create dialogue about this topic between children, parents, and teachers alike. In my latest book “YNK-You Never Know,” and my school program to help children understand “How not to be a Bully Dog” Fran is back with a whole new set of challenges including engaging in cyberbullying.
Although YNK-You Never Know is a fictional book for middle school and early teen children who simply enjoy reading, and the return of the first book’s main characters, it is also is my way of bringing to the forefront the pitfalls of technology facing our children today. I’ve seen it myself, parents are currently experiencing the pressure of how new technology has become such an integral part of their children’s daily lives. And for many, they have no idea how to discuss this subject in a way that their children can understand that they have their concerns for how it is being abused. Think about it, only five years ago, most teens, never mind their younger siblings, didn’t own a cell phones. If they did it was carried for emergency purposes only. Today, not having a cell phone by the time you are a teen is a reason to get bullied enough.
Sadly, children today are holstering cellphones, and accessing the internet in ways that are as dangerous as a gun and we’ve all seen the news of bullied youngsters who have taken their own life. This has to stop, and as adults it is our job to do everything we can to see that it does.
I believe that the best way to prevent cyberbullying is for parents and educators to teach children about the “rules” of engaging in technology, and the ramification of their behaviors should they not follow them. Afterall, we can still take away that cell phone or move the computer out of their room, or even our house.
In my next post I will be talking about a few things that parents should think about when it comes to children and technology. I'd love to hear your comments too!
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