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“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)
Email or call for a free DVD with clips of our shows!
To Book a Show for 2009-10
Call 773-235-8585
NEW! “The Visible Bystander” How To Make A Change! NEW!
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 importnant and the examples were real. You taught great coping strategies. Kids need these strategies."
Merideth Smith, 3rd grade teacher, Nancy Young Elementary, Aurora
NEW! “CHANGE IT!” STANDING UP TO BULLYING NEW!
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.
- Indirect: exclusion, rumors, etc.
- Cyber: email, text message, IM, etc.
- (Discussion of the effects of each type)
- 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
Illinois State Internet Safety Act
Effective Date: 8/28/2007
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.
"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!"
Carol Roberts, Teacher (Euclid Elementary)
"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 information
for the students. It's a great way to discuss difficult topics with students. They really
seemed to enjoys it and learned some new things!
K Klotter, Teacher, (Lincoln Middle School, Berwyn)
"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."
Staci Klein, 1st grade teacher (Western Ave Elementary, Flossmoor)
"OWN IT!"- Character Education (K-6)
 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!"
Margaret Fries, PTA President (Hannum Elementary)
"JOURNEY TO READTOPIA" - Reading/I.S.A.T. (K-6)
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!"
Gina Oles, 5th Grade teacher (Park View School)
"Hanzel, (Franzel) & Gretel: A Nutritious Tale"- Health/Nutrition (K-6)
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)
To Book a Show for 2009-10
Call 773-235-8585
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