Imagination Theater provides diverse audiences with original, dynamic, participatory theatrical programming that enhances well-being and creates a more civil, safe society.

Does "back to school" mean "back to bullying?"

New teachers, new students, new classes. The start of a new school year is always exciting. But a lot of times, it also means new problems with teasing and bullying ... or old, negative patterns repeating from the year before. Does that sound familiar? Let Imagination Theater help you get this school year started off right! And don't forget: Next month is National Bullying Prevention Month. What better time to bring Imagination Theater to your school?

Programs to Help Students Deal with Teasing and Bullying

"Someone Else's Shoes " teaches empathy skills for students in grades K-8, using three steps:

1. Recognizing emotions

2. Imagining yourself in another person's situation

3. Finding kind actions or words to help that person

"Ease the Tease " teaches students in grades K-5 the difference between friendly and hurtful teasing, and gives them strategies to ease the tease.

"Take a Stand " helps students in grades 6-12 learn how to be upstanders (people who intervene in a positive way) and create a bully-free environment at their school.

NEW! "Clearing the Air: Skills for Conflict Resolution" Imagination Theater is thrilled to offer this brand-new program for students in grades 6-12. Conflict is part of life, but it doesn't have to involve negative behaviors like teasing and bullying. Let us help your students learn healthy ways to resolve conflict and move forward.

Whichever programs you choose, you can trust Imagination Theater to guide your students through the difficult topics of teasing and bullying, using participatory theater as a powerful teaching tool. For more than 20 years, Imagination Theater has partnered with social worker, author, and bullying prevention specialist Judy S. Freedman, MSW, LCSW. The programs listed above draw from tested strategies that Judy developed as a school social worker to empower students to effectively and confidently handle teasing situations before they escalate into bullying.

To book a program, contact Samie Jo Johnson at 773-492-1966 or samiejoit@gmail.com. We hope to see you soon!

Resources

Easing the Teasing : Helping Your Child Cope with Name-Calling, Ridicule, and Verbal Bullying

Author: Judy S. Freedman

Ease the Tease

Authors: Judy S. Freedman and Mimi Black

Illustrator: Steve Mark

Imagination Theater is partially supported through grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

(773) 492-1966

www.imaginationtheater.org