Walking a Thin Line
We Can't Do It Alone
Wellness Activities for Youth, Volume 2
We're All at Risk: Inviting Learning for Everyone: A Manual of Activities for Educators and Helping Professionals
We're Talking About Eating Disorders
We're Talking About Series
Western Wind
What About Me? Kids and Grief
What Daddy Did
What Kind of Love?: The Diary of a Pregnant Teenager
What's Eating You?: Healthy Eating
What's Wrong With Tobacco?
When Anger Turns to Rage
When Dating Turns Dangerous
When Food Is an Obsession: Overcoming Eating Disorders
When Grief Visits School: Organizing a Successful Response
When She Hollers
When the Dust Settles/Et la Poussiere Retombe...
When You're Mad! Mad! Mad!: Dealing With Anger
Working It Out
Working It Out: Conflict Resolution
Working Together Against Drinking and Driving
Working Together Against School Violence
Working Together Against Teen Suicide
The World of Natural Science Series
Walking a Thin Line (Print-Fiction). McNicoll, Sylvia. Scholastic Canada Ltd. (LRDC), 1997. 220 p. Order no. 8835 ($4.20 pbk.).
(CAN) This is the story of two teenage girls who unfortunately react to name calling by starting weight loss efforts and focusing on food. Both girls desire to be as thin as the models they admire. Lauren is able to control her dieting, but Andrea becomes anorexic. Andrea's low level of self-esteem and her lack of self-respect contributed to good intentions becoming obsessive and compulsive.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Body Image and Nutrition; Grade 8 - Eating Disorders
We Can't Do It Alone (Video). (Your Choice...Our Chance Series). Health and Welfare Canada (MGR), 1991. 30 min. Dup. order no. V3869. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G3498 ($2.25 loose-leaf).
(CAN) Focusing on families, schools, and community groups working together for prevention, this program illustrates successful strategies for bringing families and community groups together in a comprehensive, well-planned drug abuse prevention effort. It emphasizes the use of creative communication techniques and prevention. The community groups include a drug free arcade (Kensington), a parent program (Burnaby), a youth in motion centre (Montreal), rural and small town prevention programs that include the school and a volunteer hotline (New Brunswick).
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Drug Addictions and Gambling; Grade 7 - Alcohol and Other Drugs; Grade 8 - Family Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities; Teacher Reference
Wellness Activities for Youth, Volume 2 (Print-Non-Fiction). Queen, Sandy. Whole Person Associates Inc. (MEL), 1994. 146 p. ISBN 0-938586-98-X ($34.95 pbk.).
Designed to help young people learn about themselves, examine important areas in building a wellness lifestyle, and perceive themselves in a positive way, this book offers 40 activities for Middle and Secondary Level students. These activities focus on various areas of wellness including physical, social, mental, and emotional. The author has provided goals, a suggested time frame and age group, materials needed, and a step-by-step process. These activities could easily be adapted to fit the decision-making process of the Health Education Curriculum. Included are a table of contents and an annotated bibliography of resources that are available from Whole Person Associates.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Personal Standards; Self-concept; Teacher Reference
We're All at Risk: Inviting Learning for Everyone: A Manual of Activities for Educators and Helping Professionals (Print-Non-Fiction). Lehr, Judy Brown and Martin, Craig. Audio Cine Films Inc. (LRDC), 1992. 176 p. Order no. 8320 ($19.75 pbk.).
A manual of activities for educators and their professional support staff, this book is based on the premise that children who feel better about themselves will be more successful at learning. It offers 64 strategies for involving all students in inviting learning activities. The activities could be easily adapted to fit within the decision-making process of the Health Education Curriculum. Included are a table of contents and a bibliography.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Self-concept; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Students With Challenging Behaviours
We're Talking About Eating Disorders (Print-Non-Fiction). Nottridge, Rhoda. (We're Talking About Series). Wayland Publishers, Ltd. (KRS), 1997. 32 p. ISBN 0-7502-2030-9 ($22.50 hdc.).
This easy-to-read book addresses anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive eating through the experiences of three teenagers. It discusses the causes of eating disorders and sources of support for victims. It offers numerous attractive, colour photographs. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, sources of further information, and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Body Image and Nutrition; Grade 8 - Eating Disorders
We're Talking About Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: We're Talking About Eating Disorders.
Western Wind (Print-Fiction). Fox, Paula. Orchard Bks., Inc. (DOU), 1993. 201 p. ISBN 0-440-40991-8 ($6.50 pbk.).
Shortly after the birth of her baby brother, 11-year-old Elizabeth is reluctantly sent to spend the summer with her grandmother. Gran lives on a remote island in a small run-down cottage that has few of the modern amenities. After a few days, Elizabeth settles into a comfortable routine with her grandmother-hearing stories of the past, exploring the island, and reading. Although Elizabeth had initially felt unhappy about her summer visit, she eventually comes to realize that her parents have given her an opportunity to get to know her ailing grandmother before her death. This warm, exquisitely written story brings together themes of birth, death, and families.
Suggested Use: Grade 9 - Family Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
What About Me? Kids and Grief (Video). Film Ideas, Inc. (FMD), 1992. 18 min. Order no. WAM-403 ($150.00 U.S.).
This video features 11 girls and boys, ages 4-14, discussing their grieving experiences caused by the death or chronic illness of a family member. The children poignantly relate their stories to offer hope, support, and a sense of community to other children.
Suggested Use: Grade 9 - Chronic Illness; Tragic Death and Suicide
What Daddy Did (Print-Fiction). Shusterman, Neil. Harper & Row Pubs., Inc. (HCP), 1991. 230 p. ISBN 0-06-447094-6 ($6.50 pbk.).
When Preston was 11-years-old, his parents separated. Shortly after that,Preston's father shot and killed his mother. This book, based on actual events, explores the reasons for the separation, the faith that allowed Preston's grandparents to forgive their daughter's killer, and the love that helped Preston in his battle to follow his grandparents' example. This is an easily read story that contains occasional coarse language.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Divorce and Separation; Family and Community Violence; Grade 9 - Tragic Death and Suicide
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
What Kind of Love?: The Diary of a Pregnant Teenager (Print-Non-Fiction). Cole, Sheila. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Bks. (HBG), 1995. 192 p. ISBN 0-688-12848-3 ($15.00 hdc.).
Through journal writing, 15-year-old Valerie shares her emotions and innermost thoughts on abortion, suicide, marriage, single parenthood, and adoption as she decides whether to keep her baby or give it up for adoption. This easily read diary is thought provoking and realistic. Please note that this material may be considered controversial in some classrooms.
Suggested Use: Grade 9 - Abstinence, STDs, Pregnancy, and Contraception
What's Eating You?: Healthy Eating (Video). (Beauty Begins Inside Series). National Film Board of Canada (MGR), 1996. 14 min. Duplication available in January 1999 - Dup. order no. TBA.
(CAN) This video from the Beauty Begins Inside Series stresses that there are no good or bad foods, but that it is important to eat a variety of foods from each of the four food groups outlined in Canada's Food Guide. A teacher's guide is available for the series.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Body Image and Nutrition; Grade 7 - Healthy Eating;
What's Wrong With Tobacco? (Video). (HRM Documentary Drug Series). Human Relations Media (MGR), 1994. 30 min. Dup. order no. V8.
This program conveys the information that tobacco is a bigger killer than AIDS, alcohol abuse, murder, suicide, and automobile accidents combined. Using testimonials from education specialists, peer support "spokeskids" who have already conquered nicotine addiction, as well as teens currently struggling to become tobacco free, What's Wrong With Tobacco? delivers a clear message-tobacco kills. However, it also emphasizes that once teenagers understand that they have unwittingly become addicted, they can choose to free themselves from the enslavement like the "quitters" in the video and no longer be victims of this powerful and dangerous substance.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Drug Addictions and Gambling; Grade 7 - Alcohol and Other Drugs
When Anger Turns to Rage (Video). Sunburst Communications (SUN), 1995. 27 min. Order no. 2525-03 ($189.95).
This video acknowledges what many young people already know: that losing control and "seeing red" can not only be frightening but is usually an unsatisfying way of dealing with anger. Real-life circumstances examine anger from students' points of view. The video content stresses that anger can be a powerful way of motivating people to seek positive change. The objectives are clearly defined, role plays are suggested and activities are outlined. The content is socially relevant to youth.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Assertiveness Skills; Conflict Resolution
Other Use: Students With Challenging Behaviours
When Dating Turns Dangerous (Video). Sunburst Communications (SUN), 1995. 33 min. Order no. 2486-03 ($199.95).
This video uses the story of two young people caught up in a romantic but progressively abusive relationship to reveal the typical pattern of dating abuse. When the female tries to break off the relationship, the male becomes more possessive and abusive. She eventually seeks help through a support group. The video ends with the male pressuring her to return to the relationship. The program is interspersed with discussion questions aimed at challenging the myths about men, women, and love that foster abuse.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Family and Community Violence; Grade 9 - Dating
Other Use: Life Transitions 20/30
When Food Is an Obsession: Overcoming Eating Disorders (Video). Human Relations Media (MGR), 1994. 28 min. Dup. order no. V3118. Teacher's Manual - Order no. G3118 ($4.00 pbk.).
This documentary considers the prevalence of eating disorders among teens. It is important to understand the dangers of eating disorders and to recognize that help is available. Viewers are challenged to think about the social issues that revolve around food, the influence of the diet and fashion industries, and the ways we think about our bodies. Two young women who have battled and beaten their own eating disorders are interviewed as well as three women experts in the area of eating disorders.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Eating Disorders
Other Use: Life Transitions 20/30
When Grief Visits School: Organizing a Successful Response (Print-Non-Fiction). Dudley, John. Educational Media Corporation (LRDC), 1995. 176 p. Order no. 8465 ($21.90 pbk.).
Author Dr. John Dudley offers a step-by-step guide for personnel to follow when grief visits their school. Examples of actual situations illustrate the concepts. Suggestions are given for selecting the crisis response team, developing an effective crisis plan, dealing with the media, organizing effective meetings under pressure, helping students and staff, and appropriate follow-up. Included are a table of contents and an appendix that provides a sample crisis response manual.
Suggested Use: Grade 9 - Tragic Death and Suicide; Teacher Reference
When She Hollers (Print-Fiction). Voigt, Cynthia. Scholastic Canada Ltd. (SCH), 1996. 176 p. ISBN 0-590-46715-8 ($3.99 pbk.).
This is a powerful story about a teenage girl who is being sexually abused by her stepfather. It depicts the struggle she endures before she finally reveals her situation to an adult she can trust. Please note that obscenities are used on a few occasions.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Family and Community Violence
When the Dust Settles/Et la Poussiere Retombe... (Video). (ShowPeace Series). National Film Board of Canada (NFB), 1997. 8 min. Order no. C0097 045 ($29.95).
(CAN) In this animated, wordless program, when two ground squirrels become annoyed with each other, they seek revenge. A war follows and by sundown that day both their homes are destroyed. Finally, they find a way to resolve their conflict in a more positive fashion. A user's guide accompanies the video.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Conflict Resolution
When You're Mad! Mad! Mad!: Dealing With Anger (Video). Sunburst Communications (SUN), 1993. 27 min. Order no. 2365-03 ($169.95).
Appropriate for Middle Level students, this video has a narrator who provides a focus to the topic of anger. The video segments are professional in nature and the scenarios and actors are presented in a realistic manner. The content of the video and teacher's guide explores the complexities involved: natural emotion, anger reduction techniques, and appropriate and positive ways to use it in a constructive manner. The discussion questions and the suggested activities provide an extension of the learning objectives. The bibliography provides a list of fiction resources and states appropriate grade levels.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Assertiveness Skills; Conflict Resolution
Other Use: Students With Challenging Behaviours
Working It Out (Print-Anthology). Alvermann, Donna, et al. (Heath Middle Level Literature Series). D. C. Heath & Co. (NEL), 1995. 126 p. ISBN 0-669-32089-7 ($13.95 pbk.).
This American anthology contains poetry, short stories, and excerpts of novels about people's efforts to resolve conflict. The book includes a table of contents, suggested activities, numerous colour illustrations, a glossary of literary terms, dictionary support for difficult vocabulary, and brief biographic notes on the authors.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Personal Standards; Grade 7 - Conflict Resolution
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Working It Out: Conflict Resolution (Video). Sunburst Communications (SUN), 1993. 28 min. Order no. 2396-RD ($189.95).
This video informs students of effective communication skills and techniques and alternatives to fighting as a way of resolving conflict. It uses relevant and age-appropriate dispute situations to which young teenagers can easily relate. Included are questions for discussion, role play scenarios, and additional resources. With a focus on cooperation and compromise, the video helps students not only gain insight into their behaviour but learn practical problem-solving strategies, which include: finding the right time and place to talk, really listening to the other person's side, talking out the problem, expressing feelings without insulting or blaming, and brainstorming for solutions.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Conflict Resolution
Other Use: Students With Challenging Behaviours
Working Together Against Drinking and Driving (Print-Non-Fiction). Grosshandler-Smith, Janet. (The Library of Social Activism Series). Rosen Publishing Group (SBC), 1996. 64 p. ISBN 0-8239-2259-6 ($24.45 hdc.).
This simply written book addresses the harmful effects of drinking and driving and suggests ways to help prevent driving while under the influence of alcohol. It offers numerous photographs, mostly in black and white. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, a list of organizations to contact, a brief bibliography, and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 9 - Safety at School, Home, and in the Community
Working Together Against School Violence (Print-Non-Fiction). Klee, Sheila. (The Library of Social Activism Series). Rosen Publishing Group (SBC), 1996. 64 p. ISBN 0-8239-2262-6 ($25.45 hdc.).
This simply written book addresses the problem of violence in schools and its possible causes, and suggests ways that adolescents might take action. It offers numerous photographs, mostly in black and white. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, a list of organizations to contact, a brief bibliography, and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Conflict Resolution; Grade 8 - Respect in Relationships; Grade 9 - Safety at School, Home, and in the Community
Working Together Against Teen Suicide (Print-Non-Fiction). Axelrod, Toby. (The Library of Social Activism Series). Rosen Publishing Group (SBC), 1996. 64 p. ISBN 0-8239-2261-8 ($25.45 hdc.).
This book explains why some teenagers consider suicide. It also suggests numerous ways that adolescents could help to prevent others from committing suicide including peer counselling, staffing telephone hotlines, and communicating with suicidal teenagers via the Internet. The text is reinforced with several photographs, mostly in black and white. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, a list of American support organizations, and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 9 - Tragic Death and Suicide
The World of Natural Science Series (Video). Please refer to the title: Environmental Pollution.