|
Perspectives in education
|
by Andre Riley |
February 20, 2008 |
Attucks students learn power of positive choices
A pair of Paseo Academy graduates took a 21st Century approach to teaching students at Crispus Attucks Elementary the value of good decision making.
The instructional films, monotonous speakers and chalkboard lessons of yesteryear were nowhere to be found inside the school’s gym on Friday. Instead, students were treated to The Make A Difference Tour — a mix of booming music and entertaining skits designed to teach students the benefits of good decision making.
The unique program, spearheaded by 2005 Paseo Academy graduates Aaron Myrick and Adrian Foster, uses entertainment to leave students with a positive message that will endure through their lives. The tour features lessons of great importance to Kansas City School District students, including skits about violence, stealing and honesty.
“We educate through entertainment. It’s so much more effective than a mediator or a motivational speaker,” Myrick said. “It’s hip, modern and effective. This is something needed in this community.”
The first skit Attucks students witnessed was about the pitfalls of cheating on schoolwork, specifically during state standardized tests. Attucks’ students watched quietly as two “students” attempted to outwit a daydreaming teacher by using illicitly obtained answers. Just as one of the faux students was ready to decide if he would cheat, the skit was paused to allow students pick which road the actor would take.
The actors then called one of the students from the audience and asked him to solve the actor’s dilemma. When the student chose the positive approach — decline to cheat — he was awarded a gift card to Wal-Mart. However, that wasn’t the end of the lesson. To reinforce the message, the young students were shown what would have happened had the student cheated. Predictably, the pretend students were caught and sent from the classroom.
In between skits, students were treated to the latest in hip-hop and pop music from a live disc jockey. Several Attucks students could be seen grooving to the new songs. When an older song was played, a few teachers smiled a swayed to the beat.
The enthusiasm of Myrick, Foster and Co., inspired Attucks principal Sheila Danner to schedule The Make A Difference Tour.
“They were excited about their program,” Danner said. “They said they would bring a good message and entertain kids at the same time.”
The idea for the tour was inspired by the death of Myrick’s twin brother, Duwan L. Whitmier, nearly six years ago. Myrick, also known as “KC,” uses his brother’s story to demonstrate to students how a few bad decisions can negatively impact a young life. KC said his struggles give him credibility with the students.
“I’m not just someone who hasn’t experienced anything,” KC said. “I’ve taken a negative and turned it into a positive.”
So far, the tour has visited several schools, with more planned later this month. Each time, Myrick said, students leave with smiles on their faces and a renewed effort to make positive decision in their young lives.
“We want to change lives. We want to show this community has positive role models,” Myrick said.
For more information about The Make A difference Tour, call 816-277-9202 or e-mail amyrick86@yahoo.com.
Andre Riley is a spokesman for the Kansas City School District. Education perspectives takes a look at the district's new education trends and programs. To contact the district call 816-418-7000 or e-mail PublicInfo@kcmsd.net.
2008 Archives:
February School District honors Kansas City pioneers
January Safety a top priority for KC public schools & School district tries to reach dropouts
2007 Archives:
December Lincoln Prep top in the nation in 2008
November Parents Have Power
October Early Reading First
September National Attention on Reform Initiative
July Neighborhood Schools for Everyone
June Year-End Wrap-Up from Head of Schools
May Summer School Starts June 18 , Summer School Is for Everyone & Parent Power Prepares You for College
April Wake Up: It's Time to Take a MAP & Lincoln Goes to Robotics Finals
February See the Stars at Southwest High School
January Parent/Teacher Conferences Coming Up & College Degrees for District Parents
