A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks. Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. NONFICTION. The Street or Me: A New York Story by
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SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool
Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu Introduction Although The Truth About Alice is a serious and realistic book about a high school student facing lifechanging and even lifethreatening challenges, there are many fun and exciting events based on themes in the book that can draw teens into libraries. Plan a “Random Acts” event, a “Girls/Guys Night In” movie night to entertain and educate your patrons, or a “Think Twice, Party Nice” planning session that can segue into an actual party or celebration. Activity 1: “Random Acts” Event Introduction So much of what happens in The Truth About Alice results from teens making cruel choices instead of kind ones. Increase awareness of kindness and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those around us by putting on a “Random Acts” event in your library. Books to Display FICTION Kindness for Weakness by Shawn Goodman Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver Wonder by R.J. Palacio Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli NONFICTION The Street or Me: A New York Story by Judith Glynn Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modernday Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall Words Wound: Delete Cyberbullying and Make Kindness Go Viral by Justin Patchin and Sameer Hinduja Cool to Be Kind: Random Acts and How to Commit Them by Val Litwin, et al. The Kindness Diaries by Leon Logothetis Practice Random Acts of Kindness: Bring More Peace, Love and Compassion into the World by the editors of Random Acts of Kindness, foreword by Harold Kushner Supply List The Truth About Alice (1 display copy) The Truth About Alice Booktalks (Handout provided, 1 set needed)
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SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool “Pay It Forward” DVD, (2000) Warner Brothers or “Film Clips for Character Education Episode 7: Teamwork, Making a Difference, Caring for Others” DVD, Film Clips Spirit of America or “Trevor’s Idea” YouTube film clip TV and DVD player, or SmartBoard with a projector and computer with DVD drive “Pay It Forward” Discussion Questions (Handout provided) Kindness Charades instructions and cards (Handout provided, 1 set needed) Timer or stopwatch Bowl or box to hold charade cards Paper (to keep score on) Bookmarks, pencils, cups, or other small prize for the winning charade team (optional) Kindness Quotes Notes (Handout provided. Need enough copies for all attendees to write several notes. Be sure to cut them apart before the event.) Pens and/or pencils (Enough for Friendship Quotes Notes, Gratitude Journal, and Kindness Challenge stations.) Markers and/or colored pencils (Enough for Friendship Quote Notes and Gratitude Journal stations.) Gratitude Journal Instructions (Handout provided, need several copies) Composition notebooks (1 for each attendee) Scrapbooking paper and/or other decorative materials that can be used to decorate the journal covers (For example, newspapers, magazines, construction paper, wallpaper, duct tape, stickers, ribbon, lace, buttons, die cuts, and any other craft supplies you have on hand.) Glue and/or glue sticks Scissors or decorative scissors (Enough for Gratitude Journal and Friendship Bracelets stations.) Meaning of Colors handout (Handout provided, need several copies) Friendship Bracelet instructions (Handout provided, need several copies) Hemp or string (enough for every attendee to make at least 1 bracelet) Seed beads of assorted colors (enough for 6 to 8 beads for each attendee) Small gold or silver beads Kindness Challenge Pledge (Handout provided, need several copies) Kindness Challenge Log (Handout provided, need 1 per attendee) Kindness Challenge Certificate (Will be needed after completion of the 21Day Kindness Challenge. Will need one copy for each Kindness Challenge participant. Handout provided.) Small incentive items such as bookmarks, pencils, or cups for those who complete the 21Day Kindness Challenge (optional) Description The purpose of this event is to accentuate the positive and give teens ideas about how to make their communities better places. At the start of the event, explain that this program was inspired by The Truth About Alice , a book by a Texas author and set in a small town in Texas. Use one of The Truth About Alice booktalks. Then introduce the importance of kindness and empathy. For example you could say: “So much of what happens in The Truth about Alice results from teens making cruel choices instead of kind ones. What if teens choose kindness Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu 2
SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool instead of cruelty? It is possible for all of us to affect the lives of othersfor good as well as bad. This idea is explored in the movie, ‘Pay It Forward.’” Then show brief clips from the movie. You can use the film clips from the “Film Clips for Character Education” DVD or, if you have the “Pay It Forward” DVD you can select the scene where Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) presents his idea to the class (at approximately 33 minutes into the movie.) A 2:45 minute clip is also available on YouTube: http://youtu.be/KxB43PxasGA. (If using YouTube, make sure your organization allows access to it before the program begins.) Use the Pay It Forward Discussion Questions to lead a short discussion about the “pay it forward” idea and how kindness and empathy figure into it. After the discussion, divide the group into two teams and play Kindness Charades. Use the Kindness Charades instructions and cards. If you wish, you can award a small prize (bookmarks, pencils, cups, etc.) to the winning team. Then, divide into four groups to visit the four activity stations set up around the library. Note: If time is an issue or if your library is unable to host an event of this size, you can pick and choose which of the stations to set up, or break this into a series of individual events. Kindness Stations: Station 1 Kindness Quotes Notes. Teens will write thank you notes with inspiring quotes about kindness to give to parents, siblings, teachers, friends, service workers, or whoever they choose. Use the Kindness Quotes Notes Handout. Station 2 Gratitude Journal. Teens will decorate and start a Gratitude Journal. See the Gratitude Journal instructions for details. A handout is provided. Station 3 Colors of Friendship Bracelet. Teens will make a “Colors of Friendship” bracelet. Use the Meaning of Colors Handout and the Friendship Bracelet Instructions. Station 4 21Day Kindness Challenge. Teens will have a chance to join the 21Day Kindness Challenge. Teens who decide to participate will sign the Kindness Challenge Pledge and be given a Kindness Challenge log. When they complete the 21day challenge, they can bring the log back for a Kindness Challenge certificate and/or an incentive reward (optional). Use the Kindness Challenge Pledge, Kindness Challenge Log, and Kindness Challenge Certificate Handouts provided. Incentives Optional incentive rewards for the 21Day Kindness Challenge can include bookmarks, pencils, cups, or other inexpensive items, as well as a participation certificate. Use the premade Kindness Challenge Certificate. Resources HANDOUTS Booktalk Handouts Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu 3
SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool “Pay It Forward” Discussion Questions Kindness Charades Instructions and Cards Kindness Quotes Notes Meaning of Colors Handout Friendship Bracelets Instructions Kindness Challenge Pledge Kindness Challenge Log Kindness Challenge Certificate WEBSITES 21Day Challenge via Kindspring.org. http://www.kindspring.org/challenge . Note: This site has great ideas for several different kinds of 21day challenges (kindness, gratitude, mindfulness, etc.) and a place for you to register your challenge online. Healthy Relationships Resource Kit http://westernhealth.nl.ca/uploads/Addictions%20Prevention%20and%20Mental%20Health%2 0Promotion/Healthy%20Relationships%20Resource%20Kit%20%20Western.pdf Inspirational Kindness Quotes https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/inspirationalkindnessquotes Make a Wish Bracelet http://www.freekidscrafts.com/makewishbracelet . Pay It Forward movie clip via YouTube http://youtu.be/KxB43PxasGA Quotationary by Leonard Roy Frank https://www.polkfl.net/staff/resources/documents/keystocharacter/December2009.pdf . Tips for Keeping a Gratitude Journal by Jason Marsh http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/tips_for_keeping_a_gratitude_journal . Understanding the Meaning of Colors in Color Psychology. http://www.empoweryourselfwithcolorpsychology.com/meaningofcolors.html . Activity 2: “Girls’ Night In” and/or “Guys’ Night In” Movie Night Introduction Many of the topics The Truth about Alice deals with (bullying, sexual shaming, and sexting) are very sensitive and would best be discussed in a nonthreatening setting, without members of the opposite sex present. A “Girls’ Night In” and/or separate “Guys’ Night In” would encourage teens to open up to others about their feelings and experiences. Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu 4
SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool Books to Display FICTION Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher Cornered: 14 Stories of Bullying and Defiance edited by Rhoda Belleza, et al. Some Boys by Patty Blount Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti Can’t Look Away, by Donna Cooner I Swear by Lane Davis Fault Line by Christa Desir Stick and Stones by Beth Goobie In Too Deep by Amanda Grace Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant Brutal by Michael Harmon The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder The Distance between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes Party by Tom Leveen Random by Tom Leveen Watched by C.J. Lyons Tease by Amanda Maciel Get Even by Gretchen McNeil Skank by Teresa McWhirter Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina By the Time You Read This I’ll Be Dead, by Julie Anne Peters Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell All the Rage by Courtney Summers Empty by K.M. Walton The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney Are You Being Bullied? by Kathleen Winkler NONFICTION Bullied Kids Speak Out: We Survived—How You Can Too by Jodee Blanco Bullying: Replies, Rebuttals, Confessions, and Catharsis: An International and Multicultural Anthology edited by Magdalena Gomez and Maria Luisa Arroyo Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones Bullying under Attack: True Stories Written by Teen Victims, Bullies + Bystanders edited by Stephenie Meyer, et al. Positive: Surviving My Bullies, Finding Hope, and Living to Change the World by Paige Rawl Vicious: True Stories by Teens about Bullying by Hope Vanderberg Supply List The Truth About Alice bingo cards (1 copy for each attendee. Note: There are two different bingo cards, one for the Girls’ Night In Movie Night and one for the Guys’ Night In Movie Night. Handouts provided.) Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu 5
SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool Pens or pencils (1 for each attendee) Small prize for the winner of the bingo game (candy, bookmark, pencil, cup, a book, etc.) (optional) The Truth About Alice Booktalks (1 copy. Handout provided.) The Truth about Alice Book Excerpts (1 copy. Handout provided.) The Gossip Game instructions (1 copy. Handout provided. Note: You will need to cut out and separate the gossip game phrases before the event starts.) The Truth About Alice (1 copy to display) DVD (See the Movie Suggestions Handout.) TV and DVD player, or SmartBoard with a projector and computer with DVD drive Refreshments (optional) Permission Form (optional. Handout provided.) Description This event can involve a Girls Night In and/or a separate Guys Night In. If you choose to host both, please plan them for separate evenings or set them up in separate venues. The script will remain basically the same for both, but there are two different bingo cards for the Girls Night In and the Guys Night In. Different movies will also probably be selected. Please consult the Movie Suggestions Handout for recommendations. You might also consider requiring teens to have a signed permission form allowing them to watch the selected movie. Library staff should consult administration and/or the organization’s legal department before using the sample permission form included with these programming materials. Begin the event with the The Truth About Alice Bingo game as an icebreaker, which will introduce the teens to each other and, encourage them to feel comfortable as a group. Use The Truth About Alice Bingo card handout, which includes the instructions. (Note that there are different bingo cards for the girls and guys movie nights. Also, although this is not a real bingo game, please feel free to rename or omit this activity if your library prohibits bingorelated activities. For example, you might simply call it The Truth About Alice Icebreaker.) At the end of the game, reward the winner with a small prize, if desired. A bookmark, pencil, book, cup, or a piece of candy can be used as a prize. Explain the inspiration for this program. For example, you could say, “The inspiration for this movie night is a book called The Truth About Alice , which is written by a Texas author and set in a small Texas town. Its purpose is to promote awareness of and sensitivity to bullying, especially a type of bullying that is directed at girlssexual shaming.” Use one of The Truth About Alice booktalks (see the Book Talk Handout), and/or read a short passage from the book. See the Book Excerpt Handout for suggested passages. Next, play The Gossip Game which is a variation of the Telephone Game many children play in elementary school. Use the Gossip Game Handout to explain the rules and play the game. At the end of the game, use the following questions from the The Truth About Alice Discussion Questions Handout to discuss gossip: Why do people gossip? How does gossip Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu 6
SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool ruin peoples’ lives? How fast do rumors and gossip spread? What role does gossip play in bullying and sexual shaming? After the discussion, explain that the group will watch a movie with themes of gossip, bullying, and/or sexual shaming. (Tailor your theme choice to the movie you’ve selected.) Serve movie snacks like popcorn, sodas or water, etc., if desired. At the end of the movie, open up a discussion using questions from the Discussion Questions Handout. Resources HANDOUTS The Truth About Alice Bingo Cards (There are different handouts for the Girls Night In and the Guys Night In. Please select the appropriate one.) The Truth About Alice Booktalks The Truth About Alice Book Excerpts The Gossip Game Handout Movie Suggestions Handout Discussion Questions Handout Permission Form WEBSITES The Unslut Project http://www.unslutproject.com . Activity 3: “Think Twice, Party Nice” Planning Event Introduction Teen alcohol consumption is an important factor in several of the crucial events in The Truth About Alice . If the teens hadn’t been drinking at Elaine’s party, perhaps none of the rumors about Alice Franklin would have started. If Brandon and Josh hadn’t been driving drunk, Brandon would not have been killed. This event will increase teens’ awareness of alternatives to drinking parties. It could easily be held in conjunction with a school or community “Shattered Dreams” program or in April, which is “Alcohol Awareness Month.” Books to Display FICTION Lucy in the Sky by Anonymous Identical by Ellen Hopkins Party by Tom Leveen Inexcusable by Chris Lynch Recovery Road by Blake Nelson Clean by Amy Reed Last Night I Sang to the Monster by Benjamin Alire Saenz Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu 7
SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool Freefall by Mindi Scott Wasted by Brent Sherrard Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler Burnout by Adrienne Maria Vrettos NONFICTION I’ve Got This Friend Who: Advice for Teens and Their Friends on Alcohol, Drugs, Eating Disorders, Risky Behavior, and More by America’s teens and the experts at KidsPeace Facing Addiction: Three True Stories by Beth Johnson Crazy Enough: A Memoir by Storm Large We All Fall Down: Living with Addiction by Nic Sheff Supply List The Truth About Alice (1 display copy) The Truth About Alice Booktalks (Handout provided, 1 copy needed) Antidrinking and driving video (See the AntiDrinking Video Suggestions Handout for Internet and DVD options) TV and DVD player, or SmartBoard with a projector and computer with DVD drive and internet access Underage Drinking Statistics (Handout provided, 1 copy needed) Safe Party Guide (Handout provided, 1 copy per attendee) Paper Pens and pencils Books or resources to use in planning the party food and games and activities (See the Resources section below for suggestions.) Computers with access to the internet (optional but nice) Party Decorations instructions (Handout included with printable instructions for all activities. Print enough copies to have several copies of the instructions at each station, and 1 of the “Don’t be a sucker” strips for each attendee.) Tissue paper (1 sheet for every flower) Pipe cleaners (1 for every flower) Construction paper Inexpensive, wrapped lollipops (for example, DumDums) (1 for each attendee) Markers Scissors Tape Glue Stapler and staples Description Teens will plan and prepare for a drug and alcoholfree party. Begin by explaining the inspiration for this program. For example, you can say, “The inspiration for this event is a book called The Truth About Alice , which is written by a Texas author and set in a small Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu 8
SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool Texas town.” Use one of the The Truth About Alice Booktalks. Discuss how teen alcohol consumption is an important factor in several of the crucial events in The Truth About Alice . If the teens hadn’t been drinking at Elaine’s party, perhaps none of the rumors about Alice Franklin would have started. If Brandon and Josh hadn’t been driving drunk, Brandon would not have been killed. This event is designed to increase teens’ awareness of alternatives to drinking parties. If the event is held in conjunction with “Shattered Dreams” or a similar program, show the event DVD. If not, show an antidrinking and driving video. There are several suggested videos on the AntiDrinking Video Suggestions Handout, some in DVD format and some that are accessible online. Use the Underage Drinking Statistics Handout to point out how deadly DUI is, especially to teens. If desired, an outside expert can be invited to give a short presentation. (Contact MADD, TABC’s 2 Young 2 Drink program, your local law enforcement agencies, or your local Victim’s Assistance office to request a speaker.) After the video and presentation, teens will plan an alcoholfree celebration. Divide the group into three committees. Each committee will write down their ideas on paper. The Hospitality Committee will use cookbooks, party planning books (suggestions are listed in the Resources below), and/or computers with Internet access to plan simple refreshments for the antidrinking party. The Playlist Committee will put together a playlist of music for the party. They may use their electronic devices or computers with Internet access to find music selections that complement the party theme. The Fun and Games Committee will use party planning books, games books, and/or the Internet to plan activities for the party. Committees will have a 15 to 30 minute planning period after which all the committees will reassemble to share their ideas with the group. Teens will then make simple decorations for the party. These will include a paper chain honoring DUI victims and survivors, tissue paper flowers, and “Don’t be a sucker. Don't drink and drive" lollipops to be given out as party favors. Instructions are included on the Party Decorations and Party Favors Handout. Depending on how formal you want to be, you can either keep teens in their committee groups or let them move freely between the tables. If desired, the library can host an actual “Think Twice, Party Nice” party on another night, if your library allows such an activity. If you decide not to have a party, allow teens to take home the party decorations and lollipop favors. You might wish to keep the construction paper chain to display in the library, especially if you have set up an antidrinking and driving display such as the one described in The Truth About Alice passive programs. You can also have teens attach the tissue paper flowers to the chain if you choose. Give each attendee a copy of the “Safe Party Guide” Handout before they leave. Active Program for The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu 9
SPIRIT OF TEXAS READING PROGRAM HIGH SCHOOL 2015 http://www.txla.org/groups/SpiritofTXHighSchool Resources HANDOUTS AntiDrinking Video Suggestions Handout The Truth About Alice Booktalks Underage Drinking Statistics Handout Safe Party Guide Handout Party Decorations Instructions BOOKS Perfect Party Games by Stephen Curtis Tiny Food Party!: BiteSize Recipes for Miniature Meals , by Teri Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park Perfect Party Food Made Simple by Bridget Jones The Perfect Party Planner: Hints, Tips, Advice and Recipes to Guarantee Success at Every Event—from Birthday Parties and Buffets to Weddings and Special Celebrations by Bridget Jones Perfect Party Food: All the Recipes and Tips You’ll Ever Need for StressFree Entertaining by Diane Phillips Party Games and Amusements for Young and Old: Including Round Games, Card Games, Parlour Tricks, Puzzles that Puzzle, Charades, ThoughtReading, Conundrums, etc. by Hesperides Press The Everything Big Book of Party Games: Over 125 Creative and Fun Games for All Ages by Carrie Sever Party Food: Delicious Recipes to Get the Party Started by Sterling Epicure WEBSITES 2 Young 2 Drink http://www.2young2drink.com/ DrugAbuse.gov http://teens.drugabuse.gov/blog/post/alcoholawarenessmonththrowparty Easy Tissue Paper Flowers by Katie Kay http://www.instructables.com/id/TissuePaperFlowers/?ALLSTEPS A Guide to Safe and Sober Event Planning http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/alcohol/PartiesRock/toc.html MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) http://www.madd.org/ Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) http://www.tabc.texas.gov/
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