“Look
at the world around you. It may seem like and immovable,
implacable place. It is not. With the slightest push
in just the right place, it can be tipped" Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping
Point)
Suitable
for grades K-6, this assembly features a theatrical
storyline with discussion to clarify each concept.
Premise:
Our newest story unfolds in an elementary school (similar
to your school) and like every school; this one has
problems with bullying. There are victims, bullies,
supporters, and of course many kids such as our narrator,
who are bystanders. As the story unfolds, our seemingly
“invisible” bystander observes scenes of physical bullying,
verbal bullying, and cyber bullying, and wants to help
but is not sure how to go from just seeing what is happening
to helping out the victim and changing the outcome.
In the end, with specific anti-bullying strategies and
help from the audience, the bystander learns how to
help stop the bullying from happening in your school
and change the fate of victims everywhere.
The
goal for “THE VISIBLE BYSTANDER” is to create a common
vocabulary for the issue of Bullying and educate students
on recognizing and overcoming its effects.
"The energy really kept the kids attention. The vocabulary
was important and the examples were real. You taught
great coping strategies. Kids need these strategies."
Merideth Smith, 3rd grade teacher, Nancy Young Elementary,
Aurora
This
assembly features short monologues, role-playing
and student questions and interaction. It is appropriate
for grades 6 - 8.
Premise:
This powerful presentation was designed based on
the most current research involving Bullying and
its effects on those involved. The structure of
the presentation helps raise the awareness of middle
school students of this important issue through
recognizable scenes and role-playing that force them to see their behaviors
from the outside. The presentation has sad moments,
funny moments, serious moments, and powerful moments.
The goal of “change
it!” is to create a common vocabulary for the issue
of bullying and educate middle school students so
they will be able to recognize and overcome its
effects.
The following
is an outline of concepts covered during
"The Visible
Bystander" and
“CHANGE IT!”
RECOGNIZING BULLYING
WHAT IS BULLYING
What seems like teasing is actually hurting
the victim
THE 4 ROLES OF BULLYING
Bully
Victim
Supporter
Bystander
THE MAIN TYPES OF BULLYING
Physical: hitting, pushing, fighting, etc.
Verbal: name-calling, threatening,
etc.
Cyber: email, text message, IM, etc.
EMPOWERING CHANGE
VICTIMS
Why and how victims are chosen
Strategies for bystanders/victims: examples,
role-playing
Fight back, act cool
Escape, distract
Seek help
POWER OF THE BYSTANDER
Creating a school culture that does not
tolerate Bullying
"DON'T
SWEAT THE NET"- Internet Safety (K-6) In
the wacky style of a 1950's sitcom, this assembly presents the
issues of how to keep personal information private online, how
to handle unwanted attention from strangers, and how to deal
with CYBER-BULLIES through use of the K.I.D.D. code. Using the
latest research on Internet Safety and Cyber Bullying from Netsmartz.net
and The Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, and in
compliance of the Illinois State Internet Safety Act,
"Don't Sweat the Net" will give your students the tools needed
to enjoy the Internet safely! (Available Sept-May)
"I
don't think you can ignore the problems that can arise from
the Internet. This program was very entertaining and interactive.
The topic is a real hot issue as more and more children have
access to computers. The actors were very animated and held
the attention of children so the message could be delivered
and the information was re-enforced in an entertaining format!"
"Don't Sweat
the Net"- Internet Safety/Cyber-bullying
(6-8th grade)
In this age of computers
and technology, we have every convenience at our fingertips.
Our characters are four typical teens discovering the fun
and dangers of the Internet. Your students can relate as
they get into cyber-situations. Through interactive discussions
and humorous scenarios, your students learn to overcome
the pitfalls of the Internet. In compliance of the Illinois
State Internet Safety Act, "Don't Sweat the Net" covers
the following topics: Protecting private information/ Identity
Theft. Being approached by strangers online. Learning who
you can trust for help (Parents. Teachers, Principal, Social
Worker, Police) Strategies for overcoming Cyber-bullying
the internet and Cyber-bullying are real and not just a
game.
Very enthusiastic staff! Interactive with the audience. You
gave very specific informationfor the
students. It's a great way to discuss difficult topics
with students. They reallyseemed to
enjoys it and learned some new things!
K Klotter,
Teacher, (Lincoln Middle School, Berwyn)
According to the Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/27-13.3
( c ) “School Districts may adopt an age appropriate curriculum
for Internet safety instruction to students in grades kindergarten
through 12. It is hereby recommended that the curriculum
provide for a minimum of 2 hours of Internet safety education
each school year that includes instruction on 7 topics:
(1) Safe and responsible use of social networkingwebsites, chat
rooms, electronic mail, bulletin boards,instant messaging, and
other means of communication on theInternet.
(2) Recognizing, avoiding, and reporting online solicitations
of students, their classmates, and their friends by sexual predators.
(3) Risks of transmitting personal information on the Internet.
(4) Recognizing and avoiding unsolicited or deceptive communications
received online.
(5) Recognizing and reporting online harassment and cyber-bullying.
(6) Reporting illegal activities and communications on the Internet.
(7) Copyright laws on written materials, photographs, music,
and video.
"Big Heart Ed"-
Tolerance and Friendship assembly for elementary students (K-6th
grade)
Meet “Big HEART Ed” the newest
addition to the BOOM Troupe family. Ed is the kind of kid everyone
wants to be his or her friend. But not because Ed is cool or
good at sports, but because he has HEART (HONESTY, EMPATHY,
ACCEPTANCE, RESPECT AND THOUGHTFULNESS) and uses those traits
when he meets new people. Through Ed’s actions, we learn how
to use HEART to be tolerant of differences (in our physical
appearance, ways of life, our beliefs and ideas) and be the
kinds of friends we would all like to have. “BIG HEART
ED” was inspired by the latest research from the Teaching
Tolerance Organization and the Illinois Learning Standards for
Social and Emotional Learning.
"Awesome! I really
enjoyed this program!! The staff was super lively and really
engaged the students. The lessons were age appropriate and the
topic was appropriate for our character education program. I
love that after each scene the students were asked questions.
The interactive portion was great! I will definitely tell our
principal to have BOOM Troupe back for another assembly because
it was really entertaining and educational and I felt the students
really enjoyed it."
When the
Everywhere Elementary Character Club meeting is called to order,
the audience immediately becomes part of the action. Through
a series of interactive role-plays, the L.A.W. of Great Character
is introduced. Using this L.A.W., the students learn how to
own their actions, words, and mistakes. Filled with fun
scene work and discussions, this assembly teaches your students
how to take responsibility for their character and "OWN IT!"
(Available Sept-May)
"Excellent
topic, nice variety of audience participation. We love the idea
of presenting the topic in a way that is easy to remember- the
LAW of Great Character was GREAT! Fantastic job of making lessons
easier for each age group to understand. Great show! We have
really enjoyed all your presentations, and love the way these
very important topics are presented to the kids!"
Upon opening the book your students are invited on a Journey
to Readtopia where reading comes to life. Along the journey,
they will learn the 4 Golden Rules of Reading: asking QUESTIONS,
forming CONNECTIONS, creating MENTAL PICTURES, and making INFERENCES.
Through interactions with humorous characters your students
will learn how to overcome their reading challenges. Journey
to Readtopia was created with the most effective strategies
for reading improvement and I.S.A.T. reading achievement.
(Available January-May)
"The actors really draw
the kids attention by thier silliness :) they did a great job
of making it real when the characters were "worried" about reading.
It was so great to have an assembly that had a direct connection
to what we are teaching! You really captured the students' attention,
had great skill to teach and presented it with great humor!"
Hanzel & Gretel
are two children who love junk food and sitting on the couch
playing video games. Their fit friend Franzel wants them to
come hiking in the woods with him. During their adventure they
meet the sugarcoated Madame Sucrosia who has unhealthy plans
of her own for the kiddies. Through discussion and interaction
with the funny, colorful characters, your students will learn
the the ABC's of good health: the importance of staying ACTIVE,
BALANCED EATING, and staying CLEAN &CALM. Hanzel, (Franzel)
& Gretel♦ was based on the latest research on childhood
nutrition. (Available January-May)
"I loved the
jokes, the audience participation, the actor interaction with
the kids, the high energy level. the message is very timely!
Overall it was a great message, presented in a way kids can
retate to."
Joan Tezak-
PTA President (Cloverdale
Elementary)
"TRIAL BY CHARACTER"
- Character Education (6-8)
If everyone
around you were doing something you knew was wrong, would
you have the strength to do what was RIGHT? That's the question
posed to four middle school students doing a group report
on the Salem Witch Trials. The students see parallels between
themselves and the people involved in the Trials and learn
the importance of integrity (not spreading rumors), responsibility
(owning up to one's actions), respect (considering others'
opinions and beliefs), and true leadership (working with
others for the good of the group). "Trial By CHARACTER!"
was designed using the latest research on character education.
(Available Sept- May)
"I
like that there was a link to historical events. Trial by
Character gave examples of real world problems students
might encounter. The assembly relates to history but teaches
Character qualities that students definitely need today.
It was funny, educational, entertaining and a good way to
wrap up Character Counts week."
Shannon Kerley,
History Teacher (Yorkville Middle School)
"Straight From the Heart
"- Tolerance and Friendship assembly for middle School
students (6-8th grade)
We all know
about the “It’s A Small World” ride at Disney World. It’s
message: that despite our differences we are all human beings
and we are more alike than we realize. “STRAIGHT FROM
THE HEART” teaches your students through humorous
scenarios and discussion about tolerating differences, in
our physical appearance, ways of life, our beliefs and ideas.
Implementing HEART (HONESTY, EMPATHY, ACCEPTANCE,
RESPECT AND THOUGHTFULNESS) you students are shown how to
make new and stronger friendships. “STRAIGHT
FROM THE HEART” was inspired by the latest research
from the Teaching Tolerance Organization and the Illinois
Learning Standards for Social and Emotional Learning.
"MAKING IT CLIQUE" -
High School Issues (8th grade
only)
A student starting high
school finds herself outside of the social circle, the "cliques."♦
She becomes distracted by peer pressure to change the way she
acts and dresses in order to "fit in"♦ and soon finds
herself compromising who she is. Your students learn to be true
to themselves, and find their own place with people who appreciate
them the way they are. Along the journey your students will
face issues including Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Dating Issues,
Academic Expectations, Self-Esteem and Self-Image. Making it
Clique has been based on specific research gathered from Chicago
area high schools about the realities students face. (Available
Spring 2009)
In
the wacky style of a 1950's sitcom, this assembly presents the
issues of how to keep personal information private online, how
to handle unwanted attention from strangers, and how to deal
with CYBER-BULLIES through use of the K.I.D.D. code. Using the
latest research on Internet Safety and Cyber Bullying from Netsmartz.net
and The Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, and in
compliance of the Illinois State Internet Safety Act,
"Don't Sweat the Net" will give your students the tools needed
to enjoy the Internet safely! (Available Sept-May)
When the
Everywhere Elementary Character Club meeting is called to order,
the audience immediately becomes part of the action. Through
a series of interactive role-plays, the L.A.W. of Great Character
is introduced. Using this L.A.W., the students learn how to
own their actions, words, and mistakes. Filled with fun
scene work and discussions, this assembly teaches your students
how to take responsibility for their character and "OWN IT!"
(Available Sept-May)
If everyone
around you were doing something you knew was wrong, would
you have the strength to do what was RIGHT? That's the question
posed to four middle school students doing a group report
on the Salem Witch Trials. The students see parallels between
themselves and the people involved in the Trials and learn
the importance of integrity (not spreading rumors), responsibility
(owning up to one's actions), respect (considering others'
opinions and beliefs), and true leadership (working with
others for the good of the group). "Trial By CHARACTER!"
was designed using the latest research on character education.
(Available Sept- May)
We all know
about the “It’s A Small World” ride at Disney World. It’s
message: that despite our differences we are all human beings
and we are more alike than we realize. “STRAIGHT FROM
THE HEART” teaches your students through humorous
scenarios and discussion about tolerating differences, in
our physical appearance, ways of life, our beliefs and ideas.
Implementing HEART (HONESTY, EMPATHY, ACCEPTANCE,
RESPECT AND THOUGHTFULNESS) you students are shown how to
make new and stronger friendships. “STRAIGHT
FROM THE HEART” was inspired by the latest research
from the Teaching Tolerance Organization and the Illinois
Learning Standards for Social and Emotional Learning.