Keep In Touch: A Model of Caring ©

This workshop is designed for educators and community leaders and discusses the following topics:

Definition of bullying. Who is a bully and who is the victim? (characteristics of both) The history of bullying. Bullying in PA schools with a review of current statistics of school violence and weapons violations. Detailed review of the Olweus method of bully prevention. Review useful handouts that can be used in the classroom to promote tolerance and acceptance of others who have different abilities. The silent bullying of children with disabilities & why it is ignored. The sexualization of childhood and the need to fit in to be popular. Interactive activities in the workshop that makes bullying come alive. Conflict resolution for children-making safe choices. Participants receive handouts and resources to assist and support bully prevention programs in the school and community.

These children's programs are designed for grades pre-school to fourth grade and discuss the following topics:

Bully Prevention Disability awareness Making and keeping friends Anger management Self-esteem building

Presentations are done in individual classrooms and not in an assembly format so children are fully engaged. Teachers may choose either a Teddy Bear or Pond-life theme. The lessons are illustrated with animated stuffed animals that have a variety of specials needs or chronic health conditions such as diabetes, head injury, immobility (walker and wheelchair), asthma, hearing and vision impairment and others.

Each classroom receives a literacy bag with a storybook, a matching stuffed animal and a journal to help encourage and promote reading. Each student and teacher receives a goody bag with surprises and character building information from the No Child Left Behind Initiative.

A follow-up visit is available to evaluate success of the program.