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For Grades 5-9

Twelve DVDs + Facilitator's Guides

Episode Descriptions

• The Three Rs of Growing Up

  This overview program gives young viewers a solid basis for choices and actions. The first R stands for taking responsibility; growing up is a process of taking increasing responsibility for our choices and actions. The second R is for doing the right thing, which almost always produces the best result and leaves us feeling good about ourselves. The third R is for respecting ourselves, which leads us to make better choices and care more about doing our best

• You and Your Values

  This program looks at the issue of identity and explores some of the major elements that go into forming our identities. We examine internal factors such as values and beliefs, and externals such as clothes, hairstyles, etc. We consider that all important adolescent issue of "fitting in," what that means, what we have to do and/or sacrifice to fit in, and when it's worth it and when it's not.

• Enhancing Self-Esteem

  This program tells young people that every one of them is important and worthy, that what they do matters, and that they owe it to themselves to do and be their very best. We consider where high and low self-esteem come from, how our actions and choices either diminish or enhance our self-esteem, how to deal with external factors that affect our self-esteem, and how we affect the self-esteem of others.

• Setting & Achieving Goals

  This program shows kids the benefits of learning to set and achieve goals, and teaches them how to distinguish between actual goals and mere wishes. They also see how they can benefit from failure as well as success, and how setting and achieving goals of their own choice boosts their self- confidence, their self-esteem, and the control they have over their lives.

• Dealing with Pressures

  Entering middle school and becoming a teenager brings a batch of new pressures. Increased school work, higher expectations, greater stakes for academic performance, dating, social acceptance, bigger responsibilities and parental demands, more choices, more freedoms, all contribute to a lot of stress. This program explores positive, healthful ways for young adolescents to cope with it all.

• Handling Emotions

  This program explores the emotional ups and downs of early adolescence. Viewers will see that kids their age commonly experience mood swings and strong emotions, including conflicting feelings. The program looks at positive, healthful ways of expressing feelings including anger, of coping with unpleasant feelings such as sadness, depression, and loneliness, and it encourages kids to deal with problems before they escalate into crises.

• Preventing Conflicts & Violence

  With the escalating climate of conflict and violence in our schools and communities, this program challenges the underlying attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that cause most of the trouble. We look at how conflicts typically develop and how fights can be avoided. Insults and other disrespectful behaviors are discouraged. Kids are urged to find ways of controlling their anger, and to realize that violence is always a choice, a very bad choice.

• Saying No to Alcohol & Other Drugs

  This program presents and reinforces anti-drug attitudes and teaches practical techniques for saying "no" to our friends without appearing to be uncool. In addition to the specific matter of drug use, we examine the issue of peer pressure - both positive and negative - and figure out how to tell the difference. We consider why it's important to resist negative peer pressure, and what that has to do with taking charge of our lives.

• Speaking of Sex

  This program gives young adolescents the message that abstinence from sexual activity is normal and desirable at their age. We consider the emotional dangers of sexual activity, the reasons why young people often turn to sex to compensate for other emotional needs, and the realities of unwanted pregnancy and teen parenthood, Also, we emphasize the health risks of sex due to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

• Friendship

  As children enter adolescence, issues of friendship become more complex and more central in their lives. This program explores such matters as: the characteristics of good friendship, the differences between "true" friends and "false" friends, how to prevent trouble and handle change in friendships, and initiating new friendships. Also, we look at cliques & clubs, and what it means to either include or exclude others.

• Getting Along with Parents

  As adolescents begin to take charge of their lives, their relationships with their parents change, often painfully. This show encourages kids to understand their parents' concerns and motivations and to keep open the lines of communication. It urges them to take a realistic and empathetic view of their parents, and to realize that the freedom and autonomy they desire is best earned by proving to their parents that they are responsible and trustworthy.

• Respecting Others

  This program emphasizes that everyone is entitled to respect regardless of appearance, race, national origin, disability, social status, etc. It attempts to sensitize kids to the feelings of others, and develop in them a value for treating people respectfully. Also, since conformity is such a powerful force in early adolescence, this show encourages kids not to reject people who are different from them, but to appreciate and embrace diversity and multiculturalism.

Pricing & Ordering

Awards & Reviews

Teacher's Choice Award—Learning Magazine

Cine—Golden Eagle

Healthy Living Award—What's New In Home Economics

What People Are Saying...

"Without hesitation, Big Changes, Big Choices is one of the finest resources I have seen in twenty-four years."
- Mary Butler, Principal, Davidson Middle School, San Rafael, CA

"This series will motivate students to think about making smart choices in tough situations. It's a great resource for augmenting lessons on sex, friendship, respect, values and self-esteem."
- Teachers In Focus

"The tapes do an excellent job of presenting useful, engaging, relevant information and discussion around the issues of violence prevention, resolving disputes peacefully, and cooperation among youth."
- Ira Sachnoff, Director, San Francisco Peer Resource Programs

"It is a powerful examination of critical issues facing today's middle school-junior high school students."

- Children's Video Review

Story Summaries

System Requirements

Video Clips

PDF Samples

Teaching Guides

Each of our DVDs include a facilitator's guide that provides engaging discussion questions, writing assignments, and follow-up activities that support the lesson. They help make your job easier and a lot more fun!

Please click below for a PDF version of each guide.

If you are having trouble viewing the guides, click here to download Adobe Reader.

• Volume 1: The Three Rs of Growing Up
• Volume 2: You and Your Values
• Volume 3: Enhancing Self-Esteem
• Volume 4: Setting & Achieving Goals
• Volume 5: Dealing with Pressures
• Volume 6: Handling Emotions
• Volume 7: Preventing Conflicts & Violence
• Volume 8: Saying No to Alcohol & Other Drugs
• Volume 9: Speaking of Sex
• Volume 10: Friendship
• Volume 11: Getting Along with Parents
• Volume 12: Respecting Others

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You Can Choose!

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Life Steps with Michael Pritchard

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The Character Chronicles

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The Power of Choice

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PeaceTalks with Michael Pritchard

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