Implementing G.R.E.A.T.

Elementary School Component

Introduction

The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum has integrated National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices.

Goal

Prevent violence while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth during their early developmental years. The curriculum can be used in conjunction with and reinforcement of other prevention programs and as a precursor to the G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum.

Program Structure

The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum was designed for fourth and fifth grade students. Children who have aggressive behavior in the elementary school years are more likely to display antisocial and violent behavior as adolescents and young adults. By providing prevention programs to students in elementary and middle school, it is believed that such programs have a better chance of affecting the developmental course of the problem behavior.

The Lessons

The G.R.E.A.T. elementary curriculum consists of six 30-45 minute lessons designed to be taught in sequence. Each lesson is accompanied by a parent letter that the student takes home explaining the lesson and encouraging parent/student interaction.

1. G.R.E.A.T. Beginnings
• Program Introduction
• Ground Rules
• Bullying, Victim and Bystander


2. To Do or Not to Do
• Decisions and Outcomes
• Identifying Adults When We Need Help


3. Loud and Clear
• Clear Messages
• Practicing Different Ways of Communicating


4. Staying Cool When the Heat Is On
• Identifying When We Feel Anger
• Practicing Controlling Anger


5. We're All in This Together
• Similarities and Differences
• Respecting Others
• Golden Rule


6. G.R.E.A.T. Days Ahead
• Program Review
• Being a G.R.E.A.T. Citizen
• G.R.E.A.T. Promise

Middle School Component

Introduction

The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum is a skills-based curriculum designed to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum has integrated National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices.

Goal

Prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement while developing a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and our young people to create safer communities.

Program Structure

The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum was designed for middle school entry-level students at 6th or 7th grade. Taught in the classroom by specially trained, uniformed law enforcement officers, G.R.E.A.T.'s violence prevention curriculum is a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. The curriculum can be used in conjunction with other prevention programs encouraging positive relationships between the community, parents, schools, and law enforcement.

The Lessons

The G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum consists of thirteen 45–60 minute lessons designed to be taught in sequential order.

1. Welcome To G.R.E.A.T.
• Program Introduction
• Relationship Between Gangs, Violence, Drugs, and Crime


2. What's the Real Deal?
• Message Analysis
• Facts and Fiction About Gangs and Violence


3. It's About Us
• Community
• Roles and Responsibilities
• What You Can Do About Gangs


4. Where Do We Go From Here?
• Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals


5. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
• G.R.E.A.T. Decision-Making Model
• Impact of Decisions on Goals
• Decision-Making Practice


6. Do You Hear What I Am Saying?
• Effective Communication
• Verbal vs. Nonverbal


7. Walk In Someone Else's Shoes
• Active Listening
• Identification of Different Emotions
• Empathy for Others


8. Say It Like You Mean It
• Body Language
• Tone of Voice
• Refusal-Skills Practice


9. Getting Along Without Going Along
• Influences and Peer Pressure
• Refusal-Skills Practice


10. Keeping Your Cool
• G.R.E.A.T. Anger Management Tips
• Practice Cooling Off


11. Keeping It Together
• Recognizing Anger in Others
• Tips for Calming Others


12. Working It Out
• Consequences for Fighting
• G.R.E.A.T. Tips for Conflict Resolution
• Conflict Resolution Practice
• Where to Go for Help


13. Looking Back
• Program Review
• "Making My School a G.R.E.A.T. Place" Project Review

Families Component

Introduction

G.R.E.A.T. Families is a research-based family strengthening program consisting of two components, a six-session family curriculum and a family/community resource guide for G.R.E.A.T. facilitators. The G.R.E.A.T. Families curriculum uses group interaction, activities, and skills practice to engage parents and children ages 10-14 in order to foster positive family functioning. Each session is facilitated under the guidance of a specially trained G.R.E.A.T. Families lead facilitator.

Goal

Strengthening communities by strengthening families through engaging parents and youth between the ages of 10 and 14 in cooperative lessons designed to facilitate better communication among family members and enhance family decision-making skills.

Program Structure

G.R.E.A.T. Families is intended for families with children between the ages of 10 and 14. The curriculum consists of six sessions, covering a wide range of issues facing today's families. Families are encouraged to attend all six sessions. Class size is normally limited to 10 families. Child care may be made available, by the sponsoring agency, for younger children of participating families.

1. Introduction To G.R.E.A.T. Families
• Overview of G.R.E.A.T.
• Family Needs Assessment
• Truth and Myths About Gangs
• The Role of Families in Healthy Communities


2. G.R.E.A.T. Communication
• Communications Assessment
• Overcoming Communication Barriers
• Practice Listening Skills


3. G.R.E.A.T. Family Skills
• Benefits of Having Clear, Constant Rules and Limits
• Benefits of Parental Monitoring
• Effective Discipline
• Internet Safety for Families


4. G.R.E.A.T. Role Models
• Applying Personal Values
• Common Personal Dilemmas
• Consistent Expectations and Actions


5. G.R.E.A.T. Family Relationships
• Family Time Assessment
• Family Priorities
• Family Action Plan


6. Families in the Electronic Age
• Influences: TV and Movies
• Influences: Video Games

Summer Component

Introduction

The G.R.E.A.T. summer program builds on the school-based curriculum by offering students an opportunity to enhance their social skills, giving them alternatives to gang involvement and adding structure to the summer months. Interested students are asked to enroll and need a parent or guardian's signature on a Membership Agreement and Accident Waiver Form. The Agreement includes a list of rules which each student must agree to follow. Although the summer program is most beneficial when used as reinforcement for students that have received the G.R.E.A.T. middle school curriculum, students may be selected from other programs or direct from the community.

Goal

Provide students with positive activities to relieve the boredom over the summer months and increase their opportunities for social, cognitive, and interpersonal growth.

Program Structure

Although each summer program may vary in length of time, or other organizational elements, all programs should involve students in a variety of educational and recreational activities. Instruction in the G.R.E.A.T. core concepts, field trips, recreational and sporting events, and AWANA game activities are a part of an effective G.R.E.A.T. summer program. The program can help form positive community partnerships in the public and private sectors through a variety of community service projects.

The G.R.E.A.T. summer program provides each agency the flexibility to address their particular issues and concerns within the context of lessons, field trips, or presentations to the students. The program should be consistent in helping the students develop life or career skills.

Examples of Summer Program Activities:

Lessons/Presentations G.R.E.A.T. Lessons Conflict Resolution Goal Setting Self-Image Juvenile Law and Procedures Cultural Awareness/Sensitivity Career Exploration Communication Skills Safety Education

Activities/Trips AWANA Games Fire Department Hospitals Swimming Movies Skating Fishing

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