Well, I have submitted my anti bullying proposal to the Halton Board of Education. The proposal invites Kids 4 Kids and the Board to form an alliance so common strategies and a common language is taught throughout the Halton region. This would include anti bullying assemblies and workshops for students, teachers and parents and a yearly leadership conference.
It's now time to step up and really make a difference.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
To be a bullyfreeME School
I have been putting together a proposal that will be presented to a school board that with connect my efforts to every elementary school in our area. The goal is to teach students, teachers and parents specific anti bullying strategies so we are all speaking the same anti bullying language.
Potentially Problems
Some schools feel their efforts deal with the anti bullying issue, so they are not interested in input from outside sources. (wouldn't it be advantageous to have all input so the school efforts are reinforced and enhanced?)
Some child and youth workers feel threatened when outside sources deal with school issues they feel they should deal with (my input would add to a CYC's programming and ensure consistent strategies were implemented board-wide)
People resent individuals who have vision and are passionate about life.
People resent individuals who are successful
For the proposal to be accepted the school board needs to direct their attention toward creating a board stance on making a significant difference on the bullying issue and do away with the politics.
To motivate schools to implements the proposal we need to make the proposal public so the reluctant schools are pressured by the parents to implement the proposed anti bullying program
Potentially Problems
Some schools feel their efforts deal with the anti bullying issue, so they are not interested in input from outside sources. (wouldn't it be advantageous to have all input so the school efforts are reinforced and enhanced?)
Some child and youth workers feel threatened when outside sources deal with school issues they feel they should deal with (my input would add to a CYC's programming and ensure consistent strategies were implemented board-wide)
People resent individuals who have vision and are passionate about life.
People resent individuals who are successful
For the proposal to be accepted the school board needs to direct their attention toward creating a board stance on making a significant difference on the bullying issue and do away with the politics.
To motivate schools to implements the proposal we need to make the proposal public so the reluctant schools are pressured by the parents to implement the proposed anti bullying program
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Forest Trail Public School
I put on two anti bullying assemblies at Forest Trail Public School in Oakville, Ontario. The reaction of the students was incredible. I felt as if I was a celebrity. At the end of the assemblies the kids were all over me, literally. The best moment was when this boy came up to me to let me know he also had ADHD, and learning disability and has Aspergers. He was proud to tell me. I think he realized today that it was OK to be different.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Jane and Finch Corridor - Gangster Central?
Last Thursday, I went to Jane and Finch corridor to present to a group of children involved in an after school City of Toronto program. We have all heard about the shootings and gang activity in this area. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was prepared for an adventure. The kids were no different than any of the other kids I teach. They were enthusiastic and eager to learn and be entertained.
I had the pleasure of talking to one of the counselors. He was raised in Jamaica coming from a modest home. He got into some difficulty as a youth, but changed the direction of his life and decided that he wanted to use his experiences to help others. He now works with teens in a drop in program.
It's so inspiring to see kids of all ages wanting to better themselves and help others.
We need to focus on people's potential and not the reputation and image society puts on an area.
I had the pleasure of talking to one of the counselors. He was raised in Jamaica coming from a modest home. He got into some difficulty as a youth, but changed the direction of his life and decided that he wanted to use his experiences to help others. He now works with teens in a drop in program.
It's so inspiring to see kids of all ages wanting to better themselves and help others.
We need to focus on people's potential and not the reputation and image society puts on an area.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Do it Anyway
We are put on this earth to help others. We don't need to actively seek out opportunities to help others, as they will find us.
Have you ever noticed that when you offer help to someone in need that some people look at you as if you have a hidden agenda. They assume you are wanting something in return for your deed. This attitude might stop you from helping others. But....are you going to let it?
I say, do it anyways. When it's the right thing to do then it needs to be done. You can't control what other people think, however you can control what you think about yourself.
Do it anonymously. It feels great! A better world starts today.
This is dedicated to the elderly lady who died in the cold because no one bothered to help.
Have you ever noticed that when you offer help to someone in need that some people look at you as if you have a hidden agenda. They assume you are wanting something in return for your deed. This attitude might stop you from helping others. But....are you going to let it?
I say, do it anyways. When it's the right thing to do then it needs to be done. You can't control what other people think, however you can control what you think about yourself.
Do it anonymously. It feels great! A better world starts today.
This is dedicated to the elderly lady who died in the cold because no one bothered to help.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
PERSPECTIVE
Well it's my birthday and it has been a very memorable day. I am busy putting the final touches on my tenth anniversary Camp Kahuna. The Spoons are ready to play on Tuesday, Pinball Clements is coming to talk to the kids in Monday or Tuesday and I booked an entire afternoon of magic. The coolest thing I booked was a BMX bike stunt show put on by a works champion team. They look awesome!
With all the stress of camp I have also had to deal with the death of one of my best friends, and seeing a boy I care about get consumed by cancer. This morning I came out of my house to find that my car was broken into and my iPhone stolen plus my radio and my window smashed and my dash destroyed.
Perspective: I think of what my friend had to deal with and then look at my issues. Life is not that bad. Don't worry, be happy. Spread the love and this will send the thieves of this world running as it is one thing they can not have.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
With all the stress of camp I have also had to deal with the death of one of my best friends, and seeing a boy I care about get consumed by cancer. This morning I came out of my house to find that my car was broken into and my iPhone stolen plus my radio and my window smashed and my dash destroyed.
Perspective: I think of what my friend had to deal with and then look at my issues. Life is not that bad. Don't worry, be happy. Spread the love and this will send the thieves of this world running as it is one thing they can not have.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Helping Children Deal with Anger
Helping Children Deal with Anger
Written by: Scott Graham
Everyone gets angry. It is a strong emotion that we all deal with, however not everyone deals with it effectively. There are those who are extremely easy-going who let life's obstacles roll off their shoulder and there are those who react to life's difficult moments. The problem is, with regard to children, that too often than not, they are not taught effective strategies to deal with their anger so they react to their situations instead of stopping and thinking about what the best solution is.
Children need to know that:
1) Everyone gets angry. This is normal.
2) You cannot control the people or situations that make you angry. You can control what you do with your anger.
3) Handling anger in a negative way will lead to negative consequences, leading to a negative reputation and a poor self image.
4) When you are angry: (a) remain calm; (b) stop and think about what you should do and what will happen when you do it and (c) learn from your mistakes. If you lose control and handle your anger in a negative way, figure out what you did wrong so that you can learn from your mistakes.
5) Know what your signals are that tell you that you are getting angry. This way you can prevent yourself from losing control.
6) Do not allow anger to control you. You have the power to control your anger.
Strategies to Try
• Stop, think and make a plan: Know what to do when you do get angry. Prepare yourself.
• Remove yourself from the person or situation that is making you angry.
• Go to a quiet place until you have calmed down.
• Count to ten and take deep breaths: This allows you to calm yourself down, relaxing your body and regaining your thoughts so that you can handle your anger in a positive way.
• Talk to someone about what is making you angry. It is important to let out the anger that is building up inside of you. It will make you feel better. You will feel better and be less likely to blow up at the wrong person, which will get you into trouble.
• Anger equals energy: Use your anger as a form of energy. Use your anger to energize yourself and motivate yourself to do something positive. Channel your anger into something that you are doing. If you are skating, use your anger to skate faster. If you are studying, use your anger to study harder. It is possible to turn a negative into a positive. Use your anger wisely.
• Write your feelings down sometimes helps get the anger out.
• Exercise helps you get your anger out in a positive way. Ride your bike around the block, call up your friends or organize a game. If you get rid of your anger by exercising you will feel better, and be able to stop and think about how to handle the situation that made you angry in a positive way.
• Time and space: Put time and space between you and what is making you angry. This will allow you to calm down, relax, stop and then think about how to handle your anger.
Anger is a very powerful emotion, but it is an emotion we can control if we chose to. The first step is learning effective strategies that will help us be successful. The strategies mentioned in this article are available in Scott Graham’s Heroes of Hope book available at kids4kidsleadership.com
Written by: Scott Graham
Everyone gets angry. It is a strong emotion that we all deal with, however not everyone deals with it effectively. There are those who are extremely easy-going who let life's obstacles roll off their shoulder and there are those who react to life's difficult moments. The problem is, with regard to children, that too often than not, they are not taught effective strategies to deal with their anger so they react to their situations instead of stopping and thinking about what the best solution is.
Children need to know that:
1) Everyone gets angry. This is normal.
2) You cannot control the people or situations that make you angry. You can control what you do with your anger.
3) Handling anger in a negative way will lead to negative consequences, leading to a negative reputation and a poor self image.
4) When you are angry: (a) remain calm; (b) stop and think about what you should do and what will happen when you do it and (c) learn from your mistakes. If you lose control and handle your anger in a negative way, figure out what you did wrong so that you can learn from your mistakes.
5) Know what your signals are that tell you that you are getting angry. This way you can prevent yourself from losing control.
6) Do not allow anger to control you. You have the power to control your anger.
Strategies to Try
• Stop, think and make a plan: Know what to do when you do get angry. Prepare yourself.
• Remove yourself from the person or situation that is making you angry.
• Go to a quiet place until you have calmed down.
• Count to ten and take deep breaths: This allows you to calm yourself down, relaxing your body and regaining your thoughts so that you can handle your anger in a positive way.
• Talk to someone about what is making you angry. It is important to let out the anger that is building up inside of you. It will make you feel better. You will feel better and be less likely to blow up at the wrong person, which will get you into trouble.
• Anger equals energy: Use your anger as a form of energy. Use your anger to energize yourself and motivate yourself to do something positive. Channel your anger into something that you are doing. If you are skating, use your anger to skate faster. If you are studying, use your anger to study harder. It is possible to turn a negative into a positive. Use your anger wisely.
• Write your feelings down sometimes helps get the anger out.
• Exercise helps you get your anger out in a positive way. Ride your bike around the block, call up your friends or organize a game. If you get rid of your anger by exercising you will feel better, and be able to stop and think about how to handle the situation that made you angry in a positive way.
• Time and space: Put time and space between you and what is making you angry. This will allow you to calm down, relax, stop and then think about how to handle your anger.
Anger is a very powerful emotion, but it is an emotion we can control if we chose to. The first step is learning effective strategies that will help us be successful. The strategies mentioned in this article are available in Scott Graham’s Heroes of Hope book available at kids4kidsleadership.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)