Stop the cycle of Bullying

I receive tidbits of information via my email in box, and about a week ago I received a note saying that the week of January 24-28 is No Name-Calling Week. This is to encourage schools and other institutions, programs, etc., to talk with children and teach them that bullying is not acceptable, but to also talk about other issues, such as self-esteem. I have learned that bullying can happen in many forms, from the obvious, such as being taunted, teased, and physically hurt. But there are other forms of bullying, such as being intentionally excluded from an activity or group of people. There's also another side of bullying: the silent witness. Children who witness another child being bullied should make the situation known to an adult so that the issue can be dealt with immediately.
Interestingly, parents don't want to do anything about bullying if their child is the one causing the problems. Last year I spoke to the mother of an older child who had been taunting his younger brother, and my son as well, who is 8. Long story short, she didn't want to hear anything about it, basically thought it was none of my business, and decided that my son couldn't play with his friend, the younger brother. Sigh.. is all I can say to that. My older son, who is 17, also had issues with a boy who was taunting him when they were in middle school. Sad to say, I didn't find out about this until it had gone on for 3 weeks. The issue was finally dealt with, but unfortunately, this bully decided to take his frustrations out on a much younger boy at a school playground one day.
Although this may not seem like a "Story Time Adventures" program, I'm making it one. Our community is taking part in a no-bullying program with three schools in Hollister, Ca., where I live. They are Cerra Vista Elementary School, Sunny Slope, and San Juan School. I am doing a program for Story Time Adventures about bullying, reading books such as 'The Recess Queen,' by Alexis O'Neill. The story is about Mean Jean, the reigning Recess Queen, and how she rules the playground, until another child at the school finds a way to become Jean's friend and how Jean becomes much nicer. There are also other books that are about bullying, such as Don't Be a Bully, Billy, by Phil Roxbee Cox; and Kevin Henkes book, "Chrysanthemum," which tells the story of a young girl who is teased by classmates because her name is so different.
I will be presenting my "No Name-Calling" program at the YMCA after school program in Hollister, but I'm available to do presentations throughout the area as well. Even if your school isn't doing a program for that week, pick up some books and read them to your children about the bullying issue, and have a frank discussion with him or her. Reading can always be fun, but you can also throw in a lesson or two!
Happy Reading!
Julie Engelhardt
Jengelha@aol.com

No Name-Calling Week, Jan 24-28

Even though I receive a fair share of junk mail in my email in box, there are times when a gem or two slips through that gives me an idea of what would make an excellent program for Story Time Adventures.

The week of Jan 24-28 is No Name-Calling Week. Essentially, this is a week where we work with kids to empower them to stand up to bullies, but to also teach kids that bullying isn't cool.

My next Story Time Adventures program will be fousing on that, reading books that deal with name-calling, bullying, etc., but to also talk with kids to find out if they've ever been bullied, and what to do if they are bullied at school, or even at home.

Scouts.. this is a perfect program for your groups, whether it's boy or girl scouts, cubs, Brownies.. you name it.

Let me know what you think.. and if you'd be interested in a program.

Thanks!
Julie Engelhardt
Jengelha@aol.com

A Whole New Year

The latter part of 2010 was quite interesting. Story Time Adventures took a whole new twist since I was able to bring in quite a bit of business as Mrs. Claus. It was such a delight dressing as Santa's 'better half' and reading Christmas stories to children. I appeared at the YMCA after school program, at Anubee Children's Boutique in San Jose, CA; for the Girls Scouts--it was a great deal of fun. But, I may have been 'caught' a few times during my sessions. Girls who still believe in Santa and the magic of the North Pole did recognize me, and some parents had to do some quick thinking as to why Mrs. Engelhardt was dressed as Mrs. Claus.

I had the most fun as Mrs. Claus when I appeared for home visits. One was for a friend who had 'won' a story time adventure program from me. She originally wanted it for one of her son's birthdays, but he decided he didn't want a story teller. I still wanted to give her her prize, so I suggested bringing Mrs. Claus in. She did, during a play group over the holidays, and it was delightful. The kids ranged in age from about 3 or 4 year old, to second grade. After her home I went to a day care and performed there. The last performance of the season was for a home visit for a delightful 3 year old girl. She was so wonderful. Everything has been great, yet, I don't think I'm ever going to get used to having my picture taken so many times.

I'm also pleased with publicity I've received this past year. OCFamily.com, a parenting magazine based in Orange County, California, did an article about me. Kristen Schott, the writer, did a magnificent job, and I am indebted to her for her kind words and brilliant prose.

I was also interviewed for a local cable program called Arts 101. They did a five minute interview with me about Story Time Adventures, then they let me read on camera, one of my favorite books called Bubble Path Pirates.

But, with a new year stretching ahead of me, I have new opportunities in the works. In February, I will be presenting at a showcase for performers. This allows peformers to display their wares to librarians, in hopes of getting hired. Keeping my fingers crossed that this will happen and I will gain some work that way.

I'm just thrilled with the support I've received and how many new friends I've made through this.

If you want to see more, go to www.storytimeadventures.wetpaint.com. I hope to hear from you!
Julie Engelhardt