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CM . . . .
Volume VI Number 16 . . . . April 14, 2000
Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, special education consultant
and workshop presenter, author Rob Kerr has created this insightful book
for teachers to help their students develop self-control. A program
overview introduces teachers to the book's concepts, explains how to
format the sessions (36 in all, each one about 45 minutes long), and the
rationale behind the activities. Three main concepts - self-awareness,
managing emotions and building relationships-- cover such topics as active
listening, dealing with anger, sadness, disappointment and guilt,
self-talk and the physiology behind emotional outbursts. Kerr presents the
H-B-R model (Happening-Belief-Reaction), in which one's belief about an
event is responsible for the type of reaction elicited, and the SAT model
(Sensible Acting and Thinking), which helps students to relax and work
through problems without over-reacting. Learning how to foster win-win
situations and to be accountable for one's own behaviour are also
stressed.
The activities range from drawing, role-playing and self-assessment to
puzzles, games and group discussion. Reflection journals encourage
students to review their actions, seek improvement and plan for their
future. Goal-setting and providing "living proof" of one's personal growth
are an integral part of this program. Throughout the school year, students
are expected to file their work in a portfolio divided into three distinct
sections: one section for completed worksheets, another for the reflection
journal, and a third for the "living proof" that demonstrates success at
applying the concepts in the program. Text/activities are written in
teens' language and provide a variety of real-life scenarios common to
teens - curfews, dating, and sports, for example. Line drawings enhance
the reproducible worksheets. The book includes a bibliography and a list
of recommended resources (both fairly lengthy), an index and several FAQs
which explain how to gather materials for the portfolios and how to
structure the sessions. There are also ideas for conferencing and sharing
the portfolios. Teachers are advised to be flexible, both in their
approach and in the number of sessions they choose to do (after all, they
know their students best) and are encouraged to "go beyond the lessons."
Throughout the book, the application of the major concepts to daily life
is stressed.
A great addition to a middle or junior high school's professional library.
Recommended.
Gail Hamilton is a teacher-librarian at Bird's Hill School in East St. Paul, MB.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - April 14, 2000.
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