I just got out of an assembly by Randall Eller on the magic of smart choices. It was wonderful
He talks about the brain and what violent video games, guns, drugs, etc. do to the brain and gives the kids a 30 day challenge to stop watching tv and playing video games. He does cool tricks and the kids loved it. He will mail the kids a free dvd on magic if they meet the 30 day challenge – keeping a simple log and parent signatures.
OK, yes, kids could cheat. What a great way to TRY though and to get parent involvement. He has studies that show that kids who stop watching and playing violent tv/video games have a decrease in violence/acting out at school.
This would be awesome to do in the fall in conjunction with red ribbon week. I’m asking him to come back in mid Sept. 2006 and challenge kids again. This will be my red ribbon week project. I’ll promote the 30 day challenge on radio, newspaper, etc. and then start Oct. 1. Our school will have a celebration at the end of 30 days – which will be the same day as the end of red ribbon week. I’ll put up a big 30 day count down outside my room at school and teachers will be asked to participate as well. I’m sure our parent teacher organization will sponsor prizes for students and teachers who meet the goal.
Anyone else want to join me? I’d love to organize this at least with my fellow Independence county counselors. We could all set dates for Randall to come in Sept. to challenge the kids. Contact me if you want to do this together. I’ll see many of you may 9th at the Melbourne co-op meeting – i’ll bring pictures of the event then and more info if you want it.
If you want randall to come to your school, call 501-350-1440 or email him at magicisu@sbcglobal.net he has days open in May. call soon!
Regina Forehand
School Counselor
West Magnet Visual and Performing Arts